Miles of Smiles Colorado
Miles of Smiles Colorado Inc. (MoS) is a Colorado nonprofit corporation and holds 501(c)3 tax status from the IRS. MoS is committed to bringing trishaws to many more Colorado and Wyoming congregated older adult communities at all levels of care than currently have access. MoS is working diligently to encourage all older adult communities to help fund a trishaw and establish recruitment, training, retention, and motivation programs for the cyclists propelling the trishaws and providing attention to the passengers.
Our passengers and cyclists are encouraged to share stories and become friends, all while riding in a natural environment, at a safe and secure pace.
The health benefits of spending time outdoors for our older adults living in congregated facilities have been widely reported. Going outdoors has been associated with improved mood, increased wellbeing and quality of life, better sleep, decreased agitation and disruptive behaviors, and reduced use of medications. Interaction with green spaces and nature encourages sensory stimulation, which can have restorative effects on the mental wellbeing of older people. Green spaces also may provide benefits for mental health, cognition, mood, mobility, and physical function.
Our Solution
Trishaw experiences facilitate social interactions by providing a meeting place and the opportunity for communicating, thus cultivating engagement and providing an enhanced sense of belonging. We are breaking the barriers affecting residents -- getting them outside, interacting, and using outdoor space - keys to overall wellbeing.
Founder
Founder Ed Wittman has lived in Boulder for more than 30 years and in Colorado for 50 years. He retired in 2015 following a career as a serial entrepreneur, founding, leading, and building companies in the medical devices, oil services, and cybersecurity industries among others. He has also been active in the nonprofit world having served on a number of boards including MESA (Moving to End Sexual Assault), MOB (Museum of Boulder), and the Rotary Club of Boulder Valley, Rotary Club of Denver Mile High, and their respective Rotary Club Foundations. He also served as Club President for the Boulder Valley Rotary Club.
Ed is now focusing considerable time to the development and growth of Miles of Smiles and its trishaw ride operations around Colorado and Wyoming, bringing his love of cycling, concern for the issues of aging, and commitment to service toward others.
He is committed to this project and hopes to have at least 35 more trishaws operating in Colorado and Wyoming within the next five years.
