Busy holiday season for Island Rides

December 21, 2021 1:30 am
Elizabeth Taylor, Melba Gaddis and driver Anne Trench at Grace Church on Lopez Island where they attend the Creaky Yoga classes twice weekly.
Elizabeth Taylor, Melba Gaddis and driver Anne Trench at Grace Church on Lopez Island where they attend the Creaky Yoga classes twice weekly.

by Jill Berger

Contributor

Island Rides is a nonprofit organization that provides emission-free transportation to the public on San Juan, Orcas and Lopez Island. This free or low-cost service is available for seniors, people with a disability, people who do not drive and is available to all regardless of ability to pay.

Through the support of volunteers, private donors and state and federal grants, Island Rides had a productive November, literally going the extra mile to help people with transportation and deliveries.

Last month, 11 drivers gave 144 rides and made 79 deliveries to at least 48 different islanders and drove 1774 miles to get the job done.

Island Rides is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can contact Island Rides on San Juan Island at 360-298-6108, Orcas Island at 360-672-2201 and Lopez Island at 360-317-3107. Let island rides know well in advance of your travel date if you have a disability so they can provide the appropriate vehicle.

Not only is Island Rides funded by donations and grants, but it is also run by volunteers. With its fleet of electric vehicles each ride or delivery reduces the effects of climate change. Island Rides is currently looking for volunteers to join its driving team. To inquire, contact Curt at islandrides@gmail.com or visit the website www.IslandRides.org.