VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — 13News Now is shining a light on organizations making a special impact in our community. On Tuesday, we tagged along with Spinclusion, a nonprofit that gives bicycle rides to people with mobility issues.
“I am an avid cyclist and thought of a way to maybe make a difference," said founder Diane Haupt.
Almost two years ago, Haupt started Spinclusion to give anyone who has trouble getting out a free, scenic ride around town.
“It came to be during COVID where I was just heartbroken seeing ladies like Ruth, elderly, that were kind of stuck inside and getting kind of depressed and not having any socialization or any way of getting out and about," Haupt said.
Today, her nonprofit has three bikes with various riding accommodations.
"This bike, if somebody can pedal, they pedal," Haupt said. "One bike can actually split into a wheelchair, the other one can accommodate two passengers, which is great. We have a lot of passengers that might be from the memory care centers so a caregiver can ride with them.”
Ruth Flowe comes twice a month to take a spin with good company.
“I love it," Flowe said. "I look forward to it every time, not only doing it but seeing Diane!”
Without the dedicated people behind the pedals, Haupt said, Spinclusion wouldn’t exist.
“We are 100 percent volunteer run," Haupt said. "We have an amazing group of volunteers that none of this would be possible without.”
13News Now and our parent company, TEGNA, wanted to help Haupt expand her work. Tuesday, we surprised Haupt and told her the TEGNA Foundation awarded her a $7,000 grant.
She’s putting the money towards adding a fourth bike to her fleet.
Haupt said she’s always looking for more senior centers or organizations to partner with for rides and volunteers to join the team. You can visit Spinclusion's website.