We have received your application. Thank you for registering your interest in volunteering with Portland Wheelers.

Please read the following information, as it outlines our volunteer selection and training process.

We are fortunate to have a dedicated group of volunteers who have connected with our mission in a meaningful way and return to us year after year. With a volunteer retention rate of over 90% on average, our need for new volunteers does not keep pace with the applications we receive. Currently, our prospective volunteer list sits at around 100 applicants. 

To keep our list current, we will retain your application on file until the end of the following calendar year. For example, if you submit your application any time in calendar year 2026, we will keep your application on file until December 31, 2027. After that, you will need to submit another application to indicate your continued interest. We select new volunteers as needed and may contact interested parties at any time with an invitation to train. Thank you for your interest and your patience.

Upon being invited to train, new volunteers must attend a four-hour training session during which they will learn safe operation of the trike and the importance of our interactions with those we serve. Given that the vast majority of our rides take place on weekdays, our training sessions will also be scheduled on weekdays. We train as a group, and you will need to be available for one of the scheduled trainings. We are unable to accommodate individual scheduling needs or offer individual training.

As part of this volunteer training, new pilots will participate in a “live ride” and navigate street crossings, city streets, and unpaved surfaces. Successful completion of training results in a volunteer being ready to safely and comfortably operate the trike while communicating with their wheeler. Following training, new volunteers should be prepared to immediately sign up for their first volunteer shifts. 

Annually, returning volunteers must complete a 75-minute refresher training session before their first ride of the season. This helps to ensure the safety of our program. 

We are grateful for your interest in volunteering and sincerely hope we get the pleasure of riding with you soon!