Powered by purpose: Riding in tandem for people living with Parkinson’s

Every ride has its hard stretches—the climb that won’t quit, the flat tire that costs you half an hour, the last few kilometres when every pedal stroke feels a little harder.

That’s exactly where a #KindRider comes in.

Created through a partnership between Pedaling for Parkinson’s and KindHuman Bicycles, the program places experienced cyclists on each route, who offer practical support, encouragement, and a reassuring presence during events like the Capital Ride and Growling Beaver.

Whether someone is tackling a first 40-kilometre route or a new challenge over 160 kilometres, #KindRiders help ensure everyone reaches the finish line.

Side by side

For Ottawa cyclist Alison Somers, becoming a #KindRider was an easy decision.

“My closest connection is that I lost my uncle to Parkinson’s a couple of years ago,”

Alison says.

“He’d been an athlete his whole life, a cross-country running coach for more than 30 years, and he even had the gym at his school named after him. Seeing his decline at the end was awful.”

Just a week before the Capital Ride, Alison spotted a Facebook post looking for volunteer #KindRiders.

“That caught my attention, so I reached out and asked if they still needed one,” she says. “I said I’d be happy to do it.”

She rode alongside Brock Carleton, who lives with Parkinson’s, and his wife, Susan, for the Capital Ride.

Shortly after the first rest stop, Susan’s bike suffered a flat tire. While a mechanic repaired the bike, the group waited nearly half an hour in the summer heat. They still had more than 30 kilometres to go. Progress was slow, but kilometre after kilometre, Alison stayed by their side.

By the second rest stop, the couple’s daughter, son-in-law and new grandchild were waiting to cheer them on. The lift in spirits carried them through the final stretch, and after more than four hours on the road, they crossed the finish line together.

“For me, that’s what being a #KindRider is all about,” Alison says. “It’s not about being the fastest rider. It’s about staying alongside someone, helping solve problems and making sure they know they can finish.”

For people living with Parkinson’s, regular exercise can play an important role in helping manage symptoms. But just as important is the confidence to keep pedaling when the road gets tough—knowing someone is riding right there with you.

More than kilometres

Pedaling for Parkinson’s and KindHuman share a belief that cycling is about more than distance.

It’s about staying active, finding community and helping people get more from every ride.

Thank you to KindHuman Bicycles and all the #KindRiders who helped make this year’s Pedaling for Parkinson’s rides such a success. Every kilometre ridden and every word of encouragement helps make someone else’s journey a little easier.

Ready to ride?

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist looking to give back or someone who wants to help another rider accomplish a personal goal, becoming a #KindRider is an opportunity to share your experience, support another cyclist and strengthen the cycling community.

Register as a #KindRider for The Growling Beaver today. Register here.