Western Mass Wheelers

03/09/2026

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/erc5_podcast-erc5podcast-fyp-activity-7434741825548128256-0TZY?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAiQEK4B9vv7YgEfepHdEtWm5Pxl-6C3nqY

We are very honored to be featured in the ERC5 podcast.

I’m excited to share this week’s episode featuring Jill Strain from Western Mass Wheelers! This incredible nonprofit offers free, safe, and enjoyable bike rides across Western Mass on specially adapted tricycles for those who can’t pedal on their own. Imagine the joy of feeling the breeze and ...

02/20/2026

We are incredibly grateful to share that Western Mass Wheelers has received grant support from The Beveridge Family Foundation.

Their commitment to strengthening communities and supporting meaningful local initiatives directly impacts the individuals and families we serve.

Because of this generous support, we are able to expand access to adaptive cycling experiences, promote inclusion, and continue building a more connected Western Massachusetts community.

To the Beveridge Family Foundation — and to our dedicated board members and supporters — thank you for believing in our mission and the joy that comes with every ride.

02/18/2026

Woot woot! 🎉

We’re excited to share that Western Mass Wheelers has received a Spark Good Local Grant from the Northampton store of Walmart!

Thank you to the team at the Northampton Walmart for investing in inclusive recreation and adaptive cycling right here in Western Massachusetts. This support helps us continue providing joyful, accessible rides to individuals who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the freedom of cycling.

Community partnerships like this make our mission possible — and we are so grateful. 💙

Thank you, Walmart, for helping us spark something truly meaningful.

02/15/2026

Western Mass Wheelers is a small but mighty nonprofit changing the way older adults experience outdoor activity. We provide adapted bikes to those who cannot or choose not to pedal themselves, helping our community stay active, social, and engaged.

We’re looking for a volunteer grant writer to help us expand our program and reach even more people across Western Massachusetts. If you have experience writing grants and want to make a real difference, we’d love your help!

💡 Why Volunteer With Us?
• Make a tangible impact on the lives of older adults
• Support an innovative, growing nonprofit
• Flexible, remote-friendly opportunity

📩 Interested? Send us a message or email [email protected] to learn more and join our mission!

02/10/2026

🎙️ Behind the mic at Stonegate Studios!

Recently, Board President Jill Strain had the opportunity to record a podcast at Stonegate Studios for ERC5, where she had a wonderful conversation with Grace Barone, Executive Director of the East of the River 5 Town Chamber (ERC5).

We talked all about Western Mass Wheelers — our mission, our impact, and how adaptive cycling helps build connection, accessibility, and community across the region 🚲💙

Huge thanks to Tony Colapietro, Grace Barone, and the entire team for such a welcoming and meaningful conversation.

🎧 Stay tuned — the podcast episode will be dropping in a few weeks!

01/21/2026

Community connections in action 🚲💙

We had the opportunity to meet with Jennifer Pickering, District Director from the office of Jacob Oliveira, at the Pleasant View Senior Center to share the work of Western Mass Wheelers and explore ways to engage the community through adaptive biking.

We’re excited about what’s ahead and thankful for partners who believe in inclusive outdoor access for all.

Senator Jake Oliveira, Mike Strain, Jill Strain, Mary Culver, Laurie Leichthammer, Rachel Gelina, Kiernan Mulcahy, Pleasant View Senior Center

01/20/2026

We met with the Longmeadow Council on Aging on Thursday, January 8th, where we shared information about Western Mass Wheelers, answered questions, and began early discussions about bringing adaptive bikes to the Longmeadow Adult Center this spring.

The conversation focused on expanding accessible outdoor recreation and building strong community partnerships. Appreciation goes to everyone involved for the warm welcome and thoughtful discussion, with excitement for what’s ahead!

Town of Longmeadow Longmeadow Adult Center Mike Strain Jill Strain Louis Santoro Mary Culver Laurie Leichthammer Kiernan Mulcahy Rachel Gelina

01/14/2026

We’re proud to have earned the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition on Candid. 🏆

This places us in the top 0.1% of nonprofits nationwide and reflects our commitment to openness, accountability, and sharing the real impact of our work. From our mission and goals to measurable outcomes and board diversity, we believe transparency builds trust and trust builds stronger communities.

We’re proud to share not just what we do, but the impact we’re making and how we do it. Transparency matters. 💙

To learn more about Candid, visit https://candid.org/

01/06/2026

We're starting the New Year with more grants coming to support initiatives in our district! Two organizations will receive an Inclusive and Accessible Outdoor Recreation Grant via the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation.

Western Mass Wheelers, which serves seniors in assisted living communities and adult day programs, will expand to Chicopee Memorial State Park, offering guided daily rides on dedicated bike trails and unpaved, forested roads where participants can learn about local birds, wildlife, and native plants alongside volunteer pilots and naturalist guides.

The Eagle Eye Institute will partner with local land trusts and municipalities to create opportunities for Springfield residents to hike in the Pioneer Valley. They will offer at least two Saturday events in Springfield in the winter/spring, as well as a school vacation trip and an after-school field trip. In all cases, Eagle Eye Institute will arrange transportation, lunch/snacks, and appropriate outdoor gear for participants.

01/05/2026

As we step into the new year, we’re setting intentional goals to grow our impact, expand access to outdoor recreation, and deepen connections within our community. These New Year’s resolutions reflect our commitment to making adaptive cycling more inclusive, engaging, and accessible for all.

• Grow our fleet by adding additional adaptive trikes, increasing our ability to offer more consistent and flexible ride opportunities throughout the season.
• Expand our community partnerships with senior centers and senior living facilities, embedding adaptive biking into regular programming and reaching individuals who may not otherwise access outdoor recreation.
• Launch Birding & Biking experiences, combining accessible cycling with nature observation and environmental engagement to deepen participants’ connection to the outdoors.
• Strengthen our volunteer community by recruiting and training additional pilots and safety riders, ensuring every ride is safe, welcoming, and well supported.

01/02/2026

✨ Wrapped 2025 ✨
This year was all about movement, connection, and community.

🚲 78 adaptive bike rides shared
📍 Riding through Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, and the Farmington Rail Trail
📏 67 total miles pedaled
⏱️ ~45 volunteer hours spent pedaling joy, freedom, and fresh air

Every mile represented a story, a smile, and a reminder of why adaptive cycling matters. We’re so grateful for our riders, volunteers, partners, and supporters who made 2025 one to remember. Here’s to even more rides ahead 💙

💙 Happy New Year—may the year ahead bring continued success, stronger community connections, and many more opportunities to get our riders out on the trail. 🚴‍♂️✨

12/28/2025

We’re excited to see continued investment in inclusive and accessible outdoor recreation across Massachusetts 🌿🚲

This past week, the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation announced Inclusive and Accessible Outdoor Recreation Events Grants awarded to 19 organizations working to expand outdoor access for low-income residents, communities of color, and people with disabilities.

At Western Mass Wheelers, this mission deeply resonates with our work. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the joy, freedom, and connection that come from being outdoors — regardless of ability. Programs like these help strengthen communities and ensure that outdoor spaces truly belong to everyone.

We’re grateful to see organizations across the Commonwealth being supported in creating more equitable outdoor opportunities and look forward to continuing our work to make adaptive cycling accessible throughout Western Massachusetts.

👏 Congratulations to all of the awardees!