Kevin Saldanha awarded the 2023 Phil Green Award for dedication to making cycling more accessible

Today, Mississauga City Council, on behalf of Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee (MCAC), awarded Dr. Kevin Saldanha with the 2023 Phil Green Award. Saldanha, who is a Streetsville veterinarian, has made several contributions to cycling in Mississauga, including his establishment of the local Cycling Without Age – Mississauga chapter. The Phil Green Award is presented annually by MCAC to celebrate a Mississauga resident or group who has shown exceptional initiative to promote cycling in the community.

“It’s an honour to recognize Kevin for his exceptional work within our community. His passion and expertise in cycling have inspired others and made a positive impact,” said Ward 2 Councillor Alvin Tedjo, Chair of the Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee. “On behalf of Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee, congratulations on this well-deserved award!”

In 2022, Saldanha founded the non-profit Mississauga chapter of Cycling Without Age, which attained charitable status in 2023. Cycling Without Age is a movement, started 12 years ago in Denmark, focused on helping older adults and individuals who have limited mobility get back on rides using a trishaw – a purpose-built three-wheeled vehicle with pedals and an electric motor. It has been described as a “couch on wheels” as the passengers sit up front and can communicate with the pilot. The organization helps take residents from Mississauga nursing and retirement residences out for rides to experience their local communities. In addition to managing the marketing, administration and training, Saldanha also volunteers as a trishaw pilot to give individuals the experience of a slow one-hour leisurely ride on bike trails in Mississauga, mostly at the Waterfront Trail in Port Credit. His dedication to this cause has also inspired many Mississauga cyclists to volunteer as trishaw pilots or co-pilots with their own bicycles. He hopes to replicate this model across the city adding more trishaws and volunteers to the program.

“Thank you for your dedication and commitment, Kevin,” said Ward 3 Councillor Chris Fonseca, Vice-Chair of the Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee. “All of Kevin’s work within the cycling community during 2023 has allowed members of our community to experience the joys of cycling regardless of their age, mobility or skill level.”

Since 2019, Saldanha started and lead the Streetsville Slow Rollers, slower paced bi-weekly family bike rides for cyclists of all ages and abilities, in and around Streetsville. These rides provided an opportunity for participants to explore their community by bike, in a safe, welcoming, and friendly environment. After hearing stories from older adult residents of retirement homes in central Mississauga, Saldanha was inspired to start Cycling Without Age – Mississauga.

The Phil Green Award continues to honour Mississauga resident, Phil Green, who was a founding MCAC member and worked diligently to promote safe cycling and sustainable transportation in the city.

Learn more about cycling in Mississauga and the Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee.

Caption: Dr. Kevin Saldanha’s video to showcase how Cycling Without Age has helped Joe.

Tags

• Active Transportation
• Cycling