Social Enterprise Now Offering Adaptive Cycling Equipment Rentals

Independence Only One Call Away

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KELOWNA, BC (July 3, 2020) - Community Recreational Initiatives Society (CRIS) Adaptive Adventures social enterprise business, Adaptive Rentals, will provide everyone the opportunity to cycle trails and paths independently and experience the benefits of outdoor recreation this summer.

"We are celebrating this program as so much more than rentals, so much more than a social enterprise; It creates a louder voice for accessibility and inclusion in our communities,” said Shelley Buchanan Gilmore, CEO of CRIS Adaptive Adventures. "Adaptive Rentals is the first venture for CRIS into the world of social enterprise and along with the increased voice, we are looking forward to its success to assist with the sustainability of CRIS as a charity.”

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been actively working with CRIS since 2019 to promote and encourage accessible travel activities and opportunities in the region.

"Accessible travel and travel for all is a critical part of the ongoing development of our tourism products and services," said Glenn Mandziuk, President and CEO of TOTA. "This initiative along with many others that are being planned bring us one step closer to the level of inclusivity we desire for our region."

The new Adaptive Rentals trailer for rentals and use is located at Mission Park Greenway in Kelowna, operating much like a traditional bicycle rental shop but focused on adaptive equipment such as recumbent cycles, tandems, E-Assist versions, trikes, and trail riders. Every client that rents will have a discussion with the CRIS team ahead of time to determine any further adaptations needed to ensure their safety and enjoyment.

“There are many people out there with impairments that may not be labelled a disability, perhaps an injury that they are recovering from such as a shoulder, knee, hip, or back problem. If riding a traditional bicycle isn’t possible, our recumbents might be the answer. Adaptive cycles are quite cost prohibitive for a lot of people and we want to make our fleet available to get people outside and overcome that barrier,” said Gilmore.

Learn more about Adaptive Rentals at AdaptiveAdventures.ca

About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA):
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the region, and is supported by the British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, & Culture. It is an industry-led organization that represents and supports all business and community tourism interests in the region, while also helping to implement provincial tourism policies. For more information, visit totabc.org. 

About CRIS Adaptive:
The Community Recreational Initiatives Society (CRIS) was founded in 2001 and offers adaptive outdoor recreation in the Okanagan Valley under CRIS Adaptive Adventures for urban opportunities; CRIS Adaptive Travel for wilderness adventures; and the new CRIS Adaptive Rentals, launched July 1. For more information, visit AdaptiveAdventures.ca.