John Salmen shows that it is still possible to find time to help others. On Mondays and Wednesdays, he rides his recumbent tricycle from his home in Takoma Park to deliver prepared meals to neighbors in need.
“It was the perfect solution to what I was looking for in terms of fulfilling time that also helped me,” said Salmen, who volunteers with local nonprofit Meals on Wheels Takoma Park/Silver Spring.
“I was looking for something I could do with my trike. I realized I could kill several birds with one stone,” Salmen continued. “I wanted to exercise, help people and be outdoors. It’s good for the recipients, it’s good for the community, it’s good for me and it’s good for the earth!”
Salmen was excited when a bike-friendly Meals on Wheels delivery route became available in Takoma Park. He traded in his car for his TerraTrike recumbent bike and added a trailer to haul coolers for groceries.
He also added an electric assist to make it easier to drive the trailer uphill, so he successful food delivery to ten residents.
“We are honored when our Meals on Wheels volunteers really go the extra mile – literally – and John is a true example of that,” said Ruth Masterson, executive director of Meals on Wheels in Takoma Park/Silver Spring. “We were thrilled that he was able to adapt his tricycle to not only deliver to our local customers, but also be with them and our staff in the community. When they see him coming, it brightens their day and gives them something to talk about. We love our volunteers and are always looking for new ones.”
Founded in 1971, Meals on Wheels provides residents of Takoma Park, Silver Spring, Langley Park, Chillum and Adelphi with essential services to help them stay healthy and independent at home, especially during the ongoing pandemic and high inflation.
“All the customers are so grateful for the meals. I am always amazed when I get these unique and sincere words of thanks from them,” said Salmen. “There is a guy who was an avid biker and can’t do that anymore. When he sees me coming, we have a nice chat about the bike. He is impressed to see me on the bike.”
The proud septuagenarian said that riding a recumbent tricycle not only benefits the environment but also reduces the strain on the shoulders, elbows and wrists. Unlike a traditional bicycle, where these body parts support the rider by holding the handlebars, riding a recumbent tricycle allows the energy to be used to power the tricycle instead of supporting the body.
In addition, riding a recumbent tricycle offers stability and is easy to maneuver, making starting and stopping easier and reducing the risk of tipping over.
“For someone like me who suffers from a fear of heights, it’s important to be able to stand upright,” Salmen said. “You can hardly hurt yourself on these things, unlike falling off a bicycle.”
For more information about volunteering or donating to Meals on Wheels Takoma Park/Silver Spring, visit mowtakoma.org.
Photos courtesy of Meals on Wheels Takoma Park/Silver Spring
