The management and tenants of Port of $ale Mall-Havensight and A La Cart, Inc. are offering free A La Cart (Bicycle Rickshaw) rides to persons with disabilities starting Friday July 23 through Saturday, July 31 by appointment.
The bicycles were a major attraction and means of transportation at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. The rickshaws seat two adults and one child comfortably and are equipped with shade canopies.
The rides will depart from Port of $ale Mall to downtown Charlotte Amalie (Emancipation Gardens).
The program coincides with National Therapeutic Recreation, Special Education and Americans with Disabilities weeks that are observed during the month of July.
The bicycle rickshaw invented over 800 years ago is environmentally correct and offers another mode of transportation through the busy streets of St. Thomas, according to a release from Port of $ale at Havensight Mall.
A La Cart, Inc. was started in 1994 and is successfully operating in three states. .
A La Carte Inc. will host a demonstration for participants of the Virgin Islands Resource Center for the Disabled, Inc. on Monday, July 27. The disabled adult participants at the Center created a poster to encourage others with disabilities to join in the fun and enjoy the free rides.
The purpose of this observance is to highlight the importance of leisure in the human experience, especially for individuals with disabilities and limitations. Additionally, involvement in recreational activities help people with disabilities develop and use their leisure in ways that enhance their health, independence and well being.
Interested groups or persons can call Maxine Fredericks at 776.4220 to make appointments.
