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Cycling Over Sixty

Building A Supportive CO60 Community

Empowering active aging through Cycling Over Sixty communities that inspire, support, and connect

🎯 Our Mission

The Cycling Over Sixty podcast has revealed that there is a fantastic group of people who are using cycling to stay fit later in life. It has become obvious that a group of people on bikes, bringing their positive energy, can help others to embrace cycling as a way to live a vital life.

🌟 What We're Building

Cycling Over Sixty is focusing on building local communities that encourage cycling later in life. We're starting in Tacoma, Washington as our pilot program, with plans to expand to other communities.

Our Core Goals

🤝
Build Connections

Create supportive networks of cyclists over 60

🚴
Promote Active Aging

Encourage regular physical activity through cycling

💪
Improve Health Outcomes

Reduce chronic disease risk and enhance quality of life

🌍
Expand Communities

Replicate successful models in other regions

⚠️ The Challenge We Face

Population Growth

The over-65 population in the U.S. is growing significantly, projected to reach 82 million by 2050

Activity Levels

We anticipate that close to 80% of this population is not meeting the recommended level of physical activity.

The Serious Consequences

Ultimately, inactivity diminishes overall quality of life and can shorten lifespan.

🏥 Health Risks
  • Heart disease
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Osteoporosis
  • Certain cancers
💪 Physical Impact
  • Decreased muscle strength
  • Poor balance
  • Increased fall risk
  • Loss of independence
🧠 Mental Health
  • Social isolation
  • Depression
  • Cognitive decline
  • Reduced quality of life
💰 Economic Cost
  • Increased healthcare costs
  • Reduced productivity
  • Family burden
  • Social resource strain

💡 Our Evidence-Based Solution

Evidence-Based Benefits of Cycling

Comprehensive diagram showing health benefits of cycling for seniors including cardiovascular, mental, and social benefits

⚕️ The Bicycle as a Medical Device

At Cycling Over Sixty we embrace the premise that "Exercise is Medicine." Therefore we see the bicycle as a valuable tool for maintaining and improving health, much like a medical device. Viewing the bicycle as a medical device offers a powerful new lens through which to understand its value. Instead of solely considering it a mode of transportation or a recreational activity, this perspective highlights its potential as a tool for disease prevention and management. Regular cycling can be seen as a proactive intervention. This framing allows for more focused conversations about its specific health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health, weight management, enhanced mental well-being, and increased mobility. By considering the bicycle a medical device, we can encourage a more intentional and health-focused approach to cycling, potentially leading to greater adoption and adherence, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more active population.

📊 Compelling Research Evidence

Netherlands Study (2015)

American Journal of Public Health

"As a result of the mortality reduction of all age groups together, about 6500 deaths per year were prevented as a result of cycling in the Netherlands. With a value of a statistical life of €2.8 million per prevented death, the total economic health benefits of cycling were estimated at €19 billion per year."
Learn More In Our Library →

🔬 Why This Perspective Matters

🎯 Focused Health Approach

Viewing cycling as a medical intervention encourages intentional, health-focused participation rather than casual recreation.

📈 Measurable Outcomes

Allows for tracking specific health benefits like cardiovascular improvement, weight management, and enhanced mobility.

🏥 Clinical Integration

Enables healthcare providers to prescribe cycling as a therapeutic intervention for disease prevention and management.

💪 Increased Adherence

Medical framing promotes consistent, long-term participation in cycling activities for sustained health benefits.

🎯 Specific Health Interventions

❤️
Cardiovascular Health

Regular cycling strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and reduces blood pressure

📊
Body Composition

Low-impact exercise that burns calories and maintains healthy body composition

🧠
Mental Well-being

Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression while improving cognitive function

🦴
Enhanced Mobility

Maintains joint flexibility, muscle strength, and balance for independent living

🛠️ Program Components

Our comprehensive approach combines multiple elements to create a supportive ecosystem for cycling later in life.

Comprehensive diagram showing all Cycling Over Sixty program components including events, community building, and support systems

Our integrated approach to building cycling communities

🎉 Annual Cycling Over Sixty Event

A celebration of the bike as a central element of active aging. This flagship event combines rides and evening programming to showcase the joy and benefits of cycling later in life.

Event Features:
  • World Class Trail:The Foothills Trail is protected from traffic with spectacular scenery.
  • New Rider Focus: Special emphasis on welcoming first-time participants
  • All Levels Welcome: Routes designed for every fitness level
  • Community Building: Opportunities to connect with fellow cyclists
  • CO60 Annual Party: An event to socialize and to celebrate cycling for life.
Learn More About Our 2025 Event →