Cyclists cruise through Mesilla in first adaptive cycle parade
Leah Romero
MESILLA – Children and adults of all ages took to the streets in Mesilla on June 4, taking part in the inaugural Every Body Rides with Grace Adaptive Cycle Parade.
EBRWG is a local initiative started by Andrea Holguin whose daughter, Grace, had her adaptive tricycle stolen from their home in 2021. Following the return of the tricycle, the family decided to use funds they collected to help connect other locals to adaptive cycles to meet their physical needs.
Velo Cruces along with EBRWG hosted the first parade in early June at the Mesilla Community Center. According to a news release, participants of all ages and abilities took part riding their adult tricycles, recumbent three wheelers, therapeutic cycles, electric cycles and an electric unicycle. Others joined in by walking, rolling in wheelchairs or in strollers and riding bicycles.
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Sevon Negron, 15, received a new red Schwinn Meridian Tricycle at the event — the sixth person to receive an adaptive cycle through EBRWG.
“Sevon and his family were all smiles and even shed a few happy tears,” the news release stated, as the teen received his new tricycle. He is said to have “hopped right on” and was quickly fitted with a helmet before joining the parade.
Lt. Ben Azcarate of the Mesilla Marshals served as grand marshal of the parade.
The group traveled around a one-mile loop in Mesilla, including the town’s historic square. George Pearson of League of American Bicyclists and League Cycling Instructor created the route, according to the news release. He also rode along with the group, as well as Ashleigh Curry with Las Cruces Safe Routes to School, to ensure the safety of the riders.
Members of organizations such as Monumental Loop, MTB NM, Vulnerable Road Users NM, Las Cruces Police Department and local physical therapists also rode in the parade.
The parade was funded by the Quality of Life Grant EBRWG received in 2021 by the New Mexico Commission on Disability. The organization created a survey to collect information about local knowledge and availability of adaptive cycles in accordance with the grant. Community members are encouraged to fill it out online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2ZZ9HLQ.
People are also encouraged to support the effort of connecting adaptive cycles with those who can benefit from them by making a donation through the Pay It Forward with Grace GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/85a8a541.
Leah Romero is the trending reporter at the Las Cruces Sun-News and can be reached at 575-418-3442, lromero@lcsun-news.com or @rromero_leah on Twitter.