VSC Announces Arrival of Trishaw Bike

The City of Verona and staff at the Verona Senior Center are excited to announce the arrival of the Van Raam Chat trishaw bike.

In February 2024, Verona resident Dean Gorrell volunteered to lead a fundraising effort to purchase a trishaw bike, a three-wheeled bicycle capable of carrying two passengers and a pilot on leisure rides, for use by the Verona Senior Center. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and individual donors, more than $15,000 was raised to support this project. After a 17-month wait, the bike has officially arrived in Verona, and Senior Center staff are now preparing to train volunteers and begin offering rides.

"We are thrilled to finally welcome the trishaw bike," said Stephanie Ehle, Director of the Verona Senior Center. "This project is more than just a bike ride. It's about connection, joy, and giving our members a chance to experience the outdoors in a whole new way. We are grateful to Dean for his leadership and to all of the sponsors and community members who made this a reality."

"I am so very grateful to the business owners and individuals who contributed to this impactful effort," said Dean Gorrell, who led the fundraising effort. "I look forward to seeing the smiles on passengers' faces as they take their first rides."

This effort is part of the international Cycling Without Age program, which helps people with limited mobility enjoy the outdoors by riding as passengers on specialized bikes. The initiative provides opportunities for older adults to experience the sunshine, sights, and sounds of their community in an active, social way. Members of the Verona Senior Center are eligible for rides, and availability will also extend to residents of surrounding care facilities.

The success of this project was made possible by the generous contributions of our community:

• Diamond Sponsor: Miller and Sons Supermarket
• Platinum Sponsor: Midwest Decorative Stone and Landscape Supply
• Gold Sponsor: Verona Vision Care
• Silver Sponsors: Findorff; Brian and Maria Hackbarth
• Bronze Sponsors: Eppstein Uhen Architects; Dean, Amy, and Isaac Gorrell; JSD Professional Services; Carla Moore (In memory of husband Jeff Moore)
• Contributors: Atkins Verona Bicycle Shoppe; John and Merita Berryman; Eric and Melissa Elbert; Luke and Adriene Eberhardy; Verona Electric; Jerry Grajkowski; Jay Hummer; Grace Jones; Marcia Knebel (In memory of son Jesse Smith); Scott and Courtney Meyer; Mimi and Darren Qunell; Rockweiler Insulation; Verona Chiropractic; Pat Werley

If you are interested in becoming a pilot (the person pedaling the bike), please contact Heather Allen at [email protected] or call the Verona Senior Center at 608-897-2076.