Welcoming Wheels | Ecology Action Centre

Welcoming Wheels

Welcoming Wheels provides newcomers with cycling opportunities to increase wellness, equity, access, connectedness, and environmental health

Welcoming Wheels is a program partnership that enables new Canadians to enjoy the many benefits of cycling.  Through cycling, newcomers connect with their communities and gain access to services, people, places, jobs and more.  Cycling promotes both personal and environmental health.

Many refugee families and other newcomers to Canada have limited access to transportation due to economic challenges. These challenges can inhibit basic travel to/from work, school, appointments, and other places. These families and individuals also face challenges in maintaining their level of health after they arrive to Canada. In fact, the Canadian Medical Journal in 2011 published an article titled Migration and Health in Canada: health in the global village, which identified that new immigrants to Canada are considerably healthier than the Canadian population, but over time their health declines toward the Canadian average. Given the influx of refugee families to Nova Scotia in 2015-2016, the need to address these issues is more important now than ever before.

The simple act of riding a bicycle, next to walking, increases transportation independence and is the most economical, efficient and easiest way for people to get around. Riding a bicycle as part of daily life can have positive effects on one’s physical and mental well-being throughout their life. It is a convenient way for a person to achieve the 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous daily activity that is recommended.

Services

Services offered through Welcoming Wheels to newcomers are free, including the following:

  • A refurbished bicycle
  • A new bicycle helmet, lights, bell and lock
  • 2-3 hours of Making Tracks safe cycling training
  • Resources and post-program support
  • Opportunities to cycle with others
  • Volunteer opportunities

How Do I Get Involved?

Volunteer

Welcoming Wheels is always looking for volunteers to help with any of the following:

  • Bike triage and repair
  • Client and event support
  • Cycling leadership training
  • Translation and interpretation
  • Mentoring
  • Photography and videography
Contact us

If you're interested in becoming involved please contact Anika at ww@ecologyaction.ca.

To stay tuned to upcoming events news stay connected with us by visiting our Facebook Page.

Click here to join the Welcoming Wheels email list

Donate

To make a donation to Welcoming Wheels, visit https://ecologyaction.ca/civicrm/contribute/transact?id=4&reset=1. Make sure to enter "Welcoming Wheels" in the Extra Instructions field.

Resources

Program Funders

                      

Program Partners

 

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Transportation