FAQ for Passengers
Frequently Asked Questions for people seeking information about being a passenger.
How much do rides cost?
The rides are free. Cycling Without Age Anne Arundel is sponsored by Bicycle Advocates for Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (BikeAAA) which is a non-profit organization. We are a volunteer-run organization. We rely on grants, fund raising and donations to provide this service. You can donate online through our website or in the donation box on the trishaw.
What is a pilot?
We call the volunteers who push the pedals PILOTS. Our pilots come in all sizes, shapes and ages. Some are experienced road cyclists, some are retirees, some are local business people and some are high school students. All are trained in the safe use of our trishaws and look forward to providing you with a “wind in your hair” experience.
Where do I meet my pilot for my ride?
All rides start from the parking lot of Sunrise Senior Living at 43 W. McKinsey Road, Severna Park. Passengers and pilots will meet near our storage trailer.
How long are rides and where do they go?
Rides are typically about one hour long and use the B&A Trail nearby. Rides can go south, sometimes as far the trail end near Boulters Way or north as far as the ranger station at Earleigh Heights Road. We do not go on main roads and avoid traffic. You can schedule a one-hour ride between 9 am and 6:30 pm (or dusk, whichever is earlier) from April until November/December, weather permitting.
Who can go for rides?
Cycling Without Age provides rides to anyone unable to enjoy a ride on a typical bike, along with a companion of his or her choice. “Without Age” includes children through seniors, as long as the passenger is able to sit upright without assistance. Our trishaws have seatbelts, but no upper body support.
What are the safety procedures?
Our pilots are trained to provide safe, slow rides. We use multiuse trails to minimize exposure to traffic. Helmets are NOT required for passengers or pilots. If you prefer to wear a helmet, you must bring your own. Seatbelts must be worn by passengers. There is a small first aid kit with the bike.
Can we stop for appointments or to do errands during a ride?
No. These rides are provided by volunteer pilots for recreational purposes only. Pilots may stop along the ride to take in the local scenery or for conversation with other trail users, but not at shops or eateries.
Do passengers need to sign a passenger waiver before a ride?
Yes. Passengers only need to sign the waiver the first time they ride. Waivers are available below for passengers to print, fill out and bring to their first ride. For passengers that do not have access to a printer, your pilot will have a form you can sign. Waivers are good through the end of the calendar year from date of signing.
Waiver form
How do I book a ride?
You can sign up for a ride online, click the “Book a Ride” button to email our scheduler.
How far in advance can I book a ride?
There is no set limit to how far in advance you can book. It is best to allow at least 3 days before your preferred ride time to give our volunteers time to see your request and contact you with a confirmation. Rides cannot be booked within 48 hours of the ride time.
How many passengers can I book for a ride?
You can book one (1) or two (2) passengers for a ride. Include both names in your email request. You are encouraged to have two (2) passengers for a ride. It provides companionship and easier conversation since it is sometimes hard for the pilot to hear the conversation.
How do I cancel my ride?
You will receive an email confirming your ride once a pilot “grabs” your ride request. To cancel your ride, contact the pilot directly through email or phone (which should be provided in the confirmation). If you cannot contact your pilot, you can email the scheduler at bookaride@bikeaaa.org or cwa@bikeaaa.org and someone will forward your cancellation to the pilot. Please try to cancel 24 hours in advance.
What about the weather?
Rides are not done when it is too hot, too cold, too windy, or too wet. The determination as to how much is too much is made by the pilot and/or passengers. If your pilot feels the conditions are unsafe, you will receive an email or phone call canceling the ride. You will need to submit a new ride request to reschedule the ride. If you feel uneasy about the weather, you may contact your pilot to cancel.
Thanks to Cycling Without Age Society (CWAS) in Sidney, BC, Canada for allowing us to borrow great ideas from their website.