Get To Know Joy Rides Dunedin

Photo byJoy Rides Dunedin

Article by Janae Havill of Joy Rides Dunedin

Dunedin is known for its lively main street situated on the Pinellas Trail, eclectic homes, extensive artwork, and numerous pocket parks. Joy Rides Dunedin brings all of this into the reach of seniors and those with limited mobility who, otherwise, may not be able to enjoy these amenities.

Joy Rides strives to enable seniors to enjoy the outdoors, experience companionship, and engage with the community as part of its vibrant cycling culture by taking them on rickshaw rides throughout Dunedin. Whether it’s focusing on local murals, learning about the history of Victoria Drive, or just a simple ride down Edgewater Drive, riders are treated to a Dunedin experience truly like no other!

The fleet is comprised of two rickshaws, each holding two passengers, one wheelchair rickshaw that carries a passenger in their own wheelchair, and an escort bicycle. Every ride is tailored to ensure the comfort of the passengers, and, if needed, their caregiver.

Operating Monday through Friday, the fleet makes its way to assisted living facilities, memory care units, rehabilitation facilities, and local nursing homes. Joy Rides has partnered with organizations such as Mease Life and Sunrise Gardens to provide weekly rides to their residents. Many riders enjoy the experience so much, they become regulars.

Clinical studies have shown that social and recreational therapies can be as effective as prescription drugs at reducing depression in seniors. The Joy Rides program was established to provide a safe, guided, leisurely tour around the Dunedin community, enabling riders to enjoy the sunshine, fresh air, sea breezes, and coastal scenery. It also allows them to engage socially with each other, neighbors, and other trail users. In return, the volunteers experience the satisfaction of seeing the joy on so many faces during their rides.

See a rickshaw in town? Joy Rides is thankful to those who share the neighborhood roads and Pinellas Trail and everyone who gives a friendly wave to the passengers!

Joy Rides is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church of Dunedin and funded through various fundraising activities and community donations. This ensures that every ride can be offered free of cost to passengers.

Know someone who would benefit from a ride? Community rides are available through Hale Senior Center on Monday mornings. Please call the senior center directly at 727-298-3299 to schedule a ride.

Interested in volunteering or donating? Joy Rides would love to hear from you and can be reached via email at hello@joyridesdunedin.org. Visit our website at www.joyridesdunedin.org for more information and be sure to check us out on Facebook.