What’s in a name?

Cycling Without Age was founded in Denmark under the name Cykling uden alder.

For generations the bicycle was the preferred mode of transport for people all over the world. In fact, most of today’s older generation grew up and were young adults in a time when cycling 25 kilometers or more to and from work was quite common. In the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s, the bicycle provided cheap, easy and efficient transport.

But when we grow older, our legs and our eyes may prevent us from cycling on our own. And at some point, we stop cycling altogether. We have heard countless stories of how elderly people reluctantly have had to give up cycling because they became afraid of crashing, and how much they miss the joy and freedom of cycling.

The bicycle is not only the easiest and most convenient means of transport, it also happens to be the happiest means of transport. It gives you the ability to reach far and wide at a slow pace, taking in your surroundings along the way.

Cycling Without Age is about allowing the bicycle to play that role in people’s lives regardless of age or disabilities.

Cycling Without Age has five guiding principles

Generosity
Slow Cycling
Storytelling
Relationships
Without Age

Without Age

“Without Age” is a fundamental part of our movement. Life does not end when you turn 75 or if you become disabled. Life unfolds at all ages, young and old, and can be thrilling, fun, sad, beautiful and meaningful. Cycling Without Age is about letting people age in a positive context – fully aware of the opportunities that lie ahead when interacting in their local community.

“Without Age” is a metaphor for “no boundaries”, “the sky is the limit” or “carpe diem”. That’s why we insist that “Without Age” is part of the name in all language translations of Cycling Without Age.

Sure, in some – if not all – languages “Cycling Without Age” sounds unusual. Even in its native Danish it’s an oddball, but that’s part of the charm and part of what makes it memorable and stand out.

Cycling

Most latin languages don’t have a verb for “to cycle” and “cycling” is mostly used to describe the sport.

We’ve worked with locals to come up with “In bici senza età” in Italian and “A veló sans âge” in French. As in Danish and English they’re a bit unusual, but 15 years ago nobody would have dreamed of calling a company Google or 5 years earlier Yahoo.

We hope you like our name and our cause. Join us!

Communication

The representation of a variation of cultures and languages makes Cycling Without Age inclusive and diverse. Some languages represent several countries and certain countries contain multiple languages. There are so many ways to express the principles. The website you’re looking at right now is where people who have signed off on the principles are gathered, and it’s your guarantee that they belong to the global Cycling Without Age community. You can find your local team in your local language at the bottom of this page.

 

One thought on “What’s in a name?

  1. I live in an area of New Port Richey, Florida called Trinity we have a lovely park and bike path very nearby and I thought it would be awesome to offer rides through the park for senior citizens possible even matched with a grandchild or great grandchild, for elder singles, or two older adults. I was thinking the main rider would need to be 65 or older and biker could be of any age with enough strength and biking ability and knowledge to maneuver the bike safely. The trail is length ride could range from 3 miles to 15 miles depending on the stamina of the person on the ride. The park is beautiful that we could even stop for a snack and lunch along the way on tables they have provided for families in certain parts of the park. I am going to look at teaming up with a nursing facility near us as well and the elder health center we have near us. I need to know more about cost and options If I need to buy the bike by myself first to get people interested in the concept. I am a registered nurse and think this would be a great program initiative for good health as well. Would appreciate any guidance. Thank you.

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