In rural areas like western Illinois, where many households own a car and public transportation options are uncommon, people who cannot drive or afford a car often struggle with accessing everyday services. Lower-income and elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable to falling through the cracks. Western Illinois Regional Council (WIRC), a nonprofit, is pleased to announce they now have a program created to address the needs of those individuals: The Ride Forward Project (RFP).
WIRC officials say RFP provides a bicycle or tricycle to income-eligible individuals so they can access community services or get to and from work. The brand-new program is open to eligible individuals who live in Hancock, Henderson, Knox, McDonough, or Warren County in western Illinois.
The idea for RFP came from observations by WIRC’s Community Services & Public Relations Director, Jamie Roth. Roth says she saw the need for a program like this after having conversations with customers and reviewing survey data.
“A noticeable amount of our customers are walking to our offices to access services, even with public transportation options in certain areas,” said Roth. “In our survey, many customers are telling us they do not have a driver’s license, cannot afford a car or car repairs, and are worried about traveling to work. The idea behind the Ride Forward Project is that it empowers them to travel on their own terms, and just happens to also be good for the environment and their own physical health.”
Roth emphasized this program is not a toy program for kids. “If an older teenager needs a bike to get to and from work, an exception could be made after we hear their story. Otherwise, this program is meant to help adults who meet our program criteria.”
One of those adults is Melanie Harden, a McDonough County resident who is the first recipient of an electric tricycle through WIRC’s Ride Forward Project. Harden is thrilled with her new mode of transportation, and agreed to share her story in this press release to help spread the word about the program. Since the tricycle is electric, she has the option to either pedal on her own or use battery power when she is tired. Harden is especially excited that the tricycle came with a large basket that she can use for her groceries.
Roth says she hopes this program will help to empower many more people like Harden. She mentioned that funding is limited from year-to-year, and applications will be taken until funding is exhausted.
Individuals must meet the following criteria to be considered for WIRC’s bicycle program: (1) They do not already have a working vehicle, bicycle, or tricycle; (2) They need transportation to access community services (for example, getting groceries) and/or travel to their job; (3) Their household’s total gross income is within 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Households with two or more working individuals who are sharing one vehicle will be considered.
To fit within the program’s income guidelines, a household cannot make more than the following amounts (gross) within a 30-day period: One-person household: $2,430; Two-person household: $3,287; Three-person household: $4,143; Four-person household: $5,000; Five-person household: $5,857. For households with six or more members, contact WIRC or visit their website at wirpc.org to ask about income guidelines.
To apply, Roth says that people must schedule an appointment to meet with a WIRC case worker and provide income documentation. If the person is approved, their case manager will then order a bicycle or tricycle for them, depending on their physical abilities and needs. They will also get accessories such as a basket, helmet, reflectors, a reflective vest, and other various safety items.
Funding for the Ride Forward Project at WIRC is provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) through the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG).
WIRC is a nonprofit that helps people and communities in multiple western Illinois counties. The Agency has offices in Macomb and Galesburg. For more information, find them on social media, visit their website at wirpc.org, or call 309-837-2997. WIRC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.