The Thresholds Bike Club was launched in 2005 with the donation of 50 mountain bikes for the exclusive use of those we serve, our “members,” as a means of exercise, inexpensive transportation, and social integration. Members are outfitted with a free mountain bike, helmet, and lock for their personal use, with staff providing training and safety checks, ongoing maintenance, and coordination of agency group rides and area biking events. Bikes and club costs are underwritten by the generous support of the Rebecca Susan Buffett Foundation and PricewaterhouseCoopers. The Club has grown to more than 500 adults. Many of our members also have joined the Thresholds Walking Club, which was established for similar reasons as well. Each member receives money for athletic shoes, a pedometer and pedometer log.
The Bike Club has exceeded expectations in many ways, particularly in the area of health and wellness. A growing body of research suggests people with serious mental illness die 25 years than the general population, primarily by treatable conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Moreover, antipsychotic medications have become highly associated with weight gain, diabetes, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome, all of which makes regular exercise especially critical for this population. Anecdotally, Bike Club members report weight loss, increased stamina, and reduced stress and anxiety.
The majority of Thresholds’ members also live well below the National Poverty Line; most do not own a car and mass transit remains cost-prohibitive. Lack of transportation is a major barrier in both treatment and community integration of individuals with psychiatric disabilities. For many, their bike is their most valuable possession, serving as reliable transportation to work, school, or necessary medical appointments. Scheduled group rides and participation in area biking events also has created strong social ties among the members.
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