MDI Wheelers Needs Volunteers!
Come meet this Saturday at the Northeast Harbor Library!
NORTHEAST HARBOR—The MDI Wheelers will meet at the Northeast Harbor Library on Saturday, April 19, from 9:30 a.m. until noon.
The aim of the MDI Wheelers is to provide joyful experiences on the Carriage Roads in Acadia National Park for people unable to ride a bike by themselves. Our mission is to serve our community by increasing the accessibility of Acadia National Park Carriage Roads.
We offer safe and comfortable rides on special electric-assist trikes for people who would like a ride on the carriage roads but need assistance. All rides are free. The program we offer has received a Special Use Permit from Acadia National Park.
Most rides start at Eagle Lake and are group rides with at least three volunteers. Our volunteers serve as Pilots and Safeties. Pilots peddle the trike and Safeties ride in front and behind the E-trike.
The group needs more volunteers to ‘drive’ its tricycles and ride as ’safety riders’ on the Acadia Carriage roads where we offer free rides for non-ambulatory people.
To become a pilot or safety, a volunteer must:
Be at least twenty-one years of age;
Weigh no more than 225 pounds;
Complete a four-hour training session;
Satisfactorily perform all pilot-related skills; and
Commit to a minimum of two half-day shifts per month, June through September.
Training takes place in the late spring before the ride season, primarily during May and throughout the season if required. Training sessions focus on learning how to deliver a safe, comfortable, and fun experience for our riders. Sessions are four hours long. Volunteers learn the fundamentals of operating the trikes, our safety guidelines, and best practices for interacting with our Riders.
Being an MDI Wheeler Pilot or Safety is a significant commitment with great rewards. Our Riders look forward to seeing you. You will absolutely make their day, and we’re certain they’ll make yours!
If you are interested in volunteering as a Pilot or Safety, contact us, and we will get back to you about the next training opportunity.
For more information, head to its website.