7 August 2026
Terry Paden smiles as a volunteer describes the children playing in a nearby park. He can’t see them, but he can hear the laughter, feel the breeze, and once again experience the joy of being outside.
When Terry lost his vision in 2024, he lost the freedom to enjoy the outdoors on his own, including walking alone. Today, thanks to a trishaw bike and a dedicated Silvera volunteer, the 85-year-old resident of Aspen Commons is rediscovering this freedom one ride at a time.
Terry spent his life enjoying outdoor sports including rollerblading, windsurfing and biking. Through Silvera’s partnership with Cycling Without Age, he has found a safe and social way to get outside and enjoy nature again.
“Since losing my vision, I have missed the outdoors a great deal,” he says. “I’m always looking for someone to go out for a walk with me. Cycling in the trishaw bike has been a great way to socialize while being outside and moving!”
A trishaw is a three-wheeled bicycle with a bench seat in front for up to two passengers while a volunteer pilot pedals and steers from behind. Silvera relies on volunteers to pedal dozens of residents through Calgary neighbourhoods each summer.
Terry often rides with Chloe, his aide from My Aid in Life, who describes the scenery as they pass. He also listens closely to the sounds around him, from birds and traffic to weed whippers, lawn mowers and children’s voices.
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| Volunteer trishaw pilot Aimee Trudel takes Terry and his aide, Chloe Browne-Vervloet, for a ride around Bridgeland. |
“Riding the bike gives me a great opportunity to find out what’s happening in the neighbourhood,” he says.
The bike also gives Terry a sense of safety. “When I go out for walks, I often bump into things, even though the volunteers do their best to steer me around hazards. On the bike, I’m contained and never feel in peril.”
Terry’s favourite part of the trishaw bike experience is the memories it stirs. “I did a lot of cycling in my younger years, so when I’m on the bike it helps me remember all the great rides I used to enjoy. I have a lot of wonderful memories from when I used to ride in the Winnipeg Bike Club in the 70s.”
Losing his vision has been challenging for Terry, but his attitude remains upbeat. “I always try to be grateful that for 82 years I saw really well, and now I’m doing what I can to live a good life, even without my sight.”
In addition to the trishaw bike, Terry spends time learning how to use software programs that help him navigate his computer and phone by voice. He also still plays the organ and the trumpet.
“I have been able to continue doing a lot of things I used to do – not as well or as easily – but I can still do the things I enjoy even though it’s different,” he says. “For example, now I have to memorize music instead of reading it. I can go riding, but I’m not pedalling myself.
“For me, riding the bike is freedom.”