Sustaining and Growing Inclusive Bicycle Program in Hampton Roads

Norfolk, Va. – (November 17, 2025) The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation and long-time partner for their RideAbility series, Spinclusion announced a formal merger at a joint celebration on November 15, 2025. Spinclusion, a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering seniors, veterans, and individuals with mobility challenges through free rides on adaptive electric bicycles, will be a regular program under the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation. Together, the organizations will bring greater accessibility, sustainability, and joy to the Hampton Roads community—ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can experience the freedom of cycling.

Founded in 2022 by Diane Haupt, Spinclusion began with just two adaptive bicycles and a vision: to bring the simple joy of a bike ride to people who had long been left on the sidelines. In partnership with Bike Norfolk, which was instrumental in the program’s early growth, Spinclusion started offering rides to a few local senior centers. However, her “no is not in my vocabulary” spirit soon transformed the small program into a movement.

Each year, the fleet expanded to meet the needs of riders who couldn’t be served by the original bicycles—first with bikes designed for smaller adults and children with limited mobility, and later with a model that allows passengers to remain safely in their wheelchairs during the ride. Today, Spinclusion partners with over 30 senior centers across Hampton Roads, serving hundreds of riders and creating the program’s first-ever waitlist due to overwhelming demand and has had great success with the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation’s RideAbility series each season.

Recognizing that the program had grown beyond what could be sustained solely by volunteers, Haupt sought a partnership to ensure Spinclusion’s long-term impact and the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation was the perfect match.”

“Community partnerships are critical to the success of the ERT Foundation and providing access and connection to the outdoors is at the heart of what we do. The Spinclusion mission is so closely aligned with ours, and bringing people to the ERT to fall in love with biking and our beautiful waterfront regardless of age or ability is some of the most impactful work we can do,” said Kindra Greene executive director of the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation. 

“Spinclusion was born from a desire to say ‘yes’—yes to inclusion, yes to joy, and yes to community,” said Diane Haupt, Founder of Spinclusion. “This next chapter will allow the program to grow sustainably, reach more riders, and continue saying ‘yes’ for years to come.”

This joint effort will create a paid position for Spinclusion, as well as expanded programming, inclusive ride events along the Elizabeth River Trail and together the organizations aim to make Hampton Roads a national model for inclusive outdoor recreation.

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The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides the planning, program, and advocacy for the Elizabeth River Trail connecting Naval Station Norfolk to the Virginia Beach Trail. The Elizabeth River Trail runs 10.5 miles through businesses, historic attractions and is within a 5-minute walk of 28 neighborhoods. The multi-use trail is designed for walking, running, and biking. It comprises 11 sections from Norfolk State University, through Downtown Norfolk and Old Dominion University to NIT Terminals along the Elizabeth River. The Foundation has completed multiple new unique and award-winning amenities, including kayak launches, play sculptures, and a double turbo challenge course in Plum Point Park, The Glowline, and most recently, the installation of the first ERT hydration station. Major sponsors include CHKD, Downtown Norfolk Council, PRA Group, and the City of Norfolk.