Spinclusion Mission
The mission of the Spinclusion program is to empower seniors, veterans, and individuals with mobility issues by providing free bicycle rides on adaptive electric bicycles, allowing them to live a healthy, active, inclusive, and fun lifestyle.
The Spinclusion program is the Hampton Roads affiliate of the global Cycling Without Age program. As a primary program of the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation we provide free bicycle rides to individuals in the Hampton Roads community who wouldn’t be able to do so on their own.
All rides are free and led by trained pilots in various areas of the community. Click here to see a video of our favorite bicycle, the trishaw.
The goals of our Spinclusion program are twofold:
Give the Riders the opportunity to:
- Feel a part of society by reducing social isolation while creating multi-generational relationships between volunteers, riders, passengers, support staff, and family members. Relationships build happiness, improve quality of life, and strengthen communities.
- Focus on what CAN be done at any age or with a given disability to bring about positivity, build self-esteem, and bring joy back to life.
- Experience their neighborhood and nature from close up.
- Share their stories of life.
- Enjoy the physical benefits of cycling if they are able to take an active role in the ride.
- We believe every person has the right to “Feel the wind in their hair.”
Give the Pilots the opportunity to:
- Share their time and energy, taking pride in volunteering and building relationships within their community.
- Slowdown from their hectic lives.
- Share conversation in a gentle and caring activity.
- Enjoy the physical benefits of cycling.
About
Spinclusion Origins and Path Forward
Diane Haupt, founder of Spinclusion, started the program in January of 2022 to give seniors, veterans, and individuals with mobility issues a way to enjoy one of her favorite pastimes, bicycling. She kicked off fundraising in May of 2021 by riding 4,300 miles across the United States on an unsupported journey following the Trans American bicycle trail. She started the journey dipping her bicycle wheel in the Atlantic Ocean in her hometown of Virginia Beach, and ended it at the Pacific Ocean in Astoria, Oregon, stopping at numerous chapters of Cycling Without Age along the way and raising $23,000. Click here to read about her adventure.
Spinclusion worked with Bike Norfolk, a 501(c)(3) to launch programming solely run by volunteers and Diane’s tremendous enthusiasm and energy. While gaining a core base of pilots and loyal riders in Virginia Beach, Diane began expanding rides to Norfolk on the Elizabeth River Trail and met Kindra Greene, Executive Director of the ERT. It didn’t take long for them to realize the alignment of the missions of the two organizations!
The following year, the RideAbility series was initiated with Spinclusion, giving rides and participating in events in various neighborhoods along the ERT. As demand for rides grew, many of the ERT’s trail ambassadors became cross-trained as Spinclusion pilots, and Diane and Kindra both saw the value of growing this shared resource in the community. The schedule of rides would soon demand a staff member and the two organizations began discussions of a merger.
With the unanimous support of the ERT Foundation board and with tremendous gratitude to the Board of Bike Norfolk and Spinclusion volunteers, Spinclusion and the ERT Foundation announced a merger on November 15, 2025. A significant date that marked the purchase of the very first trishaw bike for Spinclusion and the Anniversary of the ERT Foundation’s founding!
The Spinclusion/ERT logo honors the original Spinclusion silhouette of the pilot and rider and incorporates ERT’s branding and color story.
We are so grateful to Diane for entrusting us with the Spinclusion legacy as we work to serve more of the community along the Elizabeth River Trail. A place with access for all, where everyone can see themselves on a trail with “something for everyone.”
The Electric Tribike Taxi
Copenhagen Cycles Electric Triobike Taxi is easy to ride and steer and comfortable for both the rider and passenger(s).
It is designed to be practical and stylish at the same time. It’s primarily designed to carry adults, especially elderly people, but also anyone with mobility issues.
With 90 cm of inner width, the passenger seat is among the most spacious on the market, allowing for two passengers. Its ergonomic design ensures a very relaxed sitting position, with seatbelts for added safety. The removable footrest allows for ease of entry and exit.
A powerful 250W mid-drive motor allows for a smooth ride and confidence in the pilots to be able to complete the ride safely. A removable canopy allows for protection from unexpected rain or excessive heat on sunny days.
Click here to see a video of the trishaw in use.
The Worksman Electric
Side By Side
The Worksman Side by Side Electric Trike is perfect for those riders that are able to assist with the ride or have the range of motion to put their feet on the pedals.
The bike has coaster and drum brakes and 3 pedal gears to allow each rider to choose the speed (gear) that is right for them. Thickly padded and super comfortable high back captain’s chairs with swivel armrests provide ease of entry/exit and comfort during the ride. The bike is equipped with adaptive pedals to secure the riders feet while pedaling and seatbelts for added safety.
The Van Raam OPair
The Van Raam OPair is a super versatile wheelchair bike that gives the option to ride or stroll without the burden of transporting an additional wheelchair.
The OPair easily splits into two parts – the front is a wheelchair that can be used independent of the bike and the rear is the actual functional ‘bike’ portion of the frame that houses the pedals, seat, and gears. The bike is split and put together in a matter of a couple minutes with the passenger sitting comfortable and safely in the wheelchair.
It is an electric bicycle with 8 gears that can be customized to maximize the comfort and safety of the passenger with adjustable seat recline, lateral supports, hip supports, head rest, leg rests, and a four point harness seat belt.
The Van Raam VeloPlus
The Van Raam VeloPlus wheelchair transport bike was added to our fleet of bicycles in 2024 and expanded our outreach by allowing us to provide rides to individuals that are unable to transfer out of their wheelchair or are more comfortable remaining in their wheelchair for their ride.
The electric winch system makes it easy to roll the wheelchair up the tilted ramp onto the platform where it is fastened with a wheelchair locking system. The low position of the chair on the bicycle makes the ride easier and gives a lower center of gravity for added safety.
Volunteer
Become a Pilot
If you feel like making someone’s day by giving a bicycle ride on the Elizabeth River Trail, through a neighborhood, or even down memory lane, then becoming a Spinclusion pilot is for you.
You can make a difference in the community while meeting new people and even getting some free exercise. As long as you can ride a bicycle and have a desire to help others, there is plenty of space for you.
Training will be provided to make sure you are comfortable in your new position. All bicycles are also e-bikes to increase the number of eligible volunteer pilots and ease pedaling.
Become A Ground Agent
Much like our Trail Ambassadors, Spinclusion Ground Agents use promotional and administrative skills to help organize the fun!
We are in need of individuals to spread the word about the ERT and Spinclusion programming by hosting presentations for locations that may benefit from the program as well as fundraising.
Promotional materials and training will be provided. You will work to improve the lives of our elderly residents by networking with nursing homes and senior centers.
Ground Agents are not required to pilot the bikes, so age and physical ability pose no limits. All that is required is creativity and drive to improve the lives of our others.
When you support the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation, you’re supporting the programming
that allows everyone the right to wind in their hair and access to the trail regardless of age or ability!
Spinclusion Annual Reports
2024 Annual Report
2023 Annual Report
2022 Annual Report
and
Spin
Tournament Registration
Registration is currently closed. We look forward to announcing the return of Pickle and Spin in 2026!
Tournament Information
Join Us:Pickle & Spin Pickleball Fundraiser
Sat Nov 15, 2025 8am-6pm
Your Hosts: Spinclusion and 7 Cities Pickleball
This inaugural tournament offers a fantastic opportunity to engage with an enthusiastic community of pickleball players of all skill levels.
By participating, you will be supporting Spinclusion.org to further our mission of empowering seniors, veterans, and individuals with mobility issues by providing free bicycle rides on adaptive electric bicycles, allowing them to live a healthy, active, inclusive, and fun lifestyle. For information on our non-profit organization, check us out at www.spinclusion.org
Tournament Details
Date/Time: Saturday, November 15, 2025 8:00am-6:00pm
Location: Folkes/Stevens Tennis Center @ Old Dominion Univ.- 4501 Parker Ave, Norfolk, VA 23508
Registration: $60 per person – first entry. $35 – second entry if playing in two divisions.
Details: 4 Divisions: Newbie, Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. Newbie Division will include a short lesson and round robin play. All other divisions will be best of 3 game matches, double elimination style tournament play. 2 games guaranteed. Prizes for winners of Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced divisions. Joy for All! Lunch and drinks onsite / Vendors on-site / Raffle for cool prizes