Cycling at any age
Photo courtesy of City of Sydney
Local aged care residents will reconnect with the joy of riding, thanks to a program helping them explore Sydney by bike.
Grants from the City of Sydney and Woollahra Council have funded a third battery-assisted, custom-built trishaw (three-wheeled bike) to add to the Cycling Without Age fleet.
The social enterprise is part of a global organisation pairing volunteer guides with passengers from local aged care centres for scenic tours by trishaw.
Local bike group BIKEast will manage the new trishaw, which will travel between aged care homes including The Terraces at Paddington and give older residents the opportunity to connect with younger riders.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the Cycling Without Age program helps residents of all ages keep active and engaged in the community.
“Cycling is a fast and cheap way to travel, and most importantly it’s fun, we’re always looking for ways to help people onto two, or three, wheels,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The City is linking Sydney’s bike network to create safe connections between neighbourhoods, and these new bikes will be a wonderful way for older residents to enjoy these new cycle paths, our city and the outdoors with friends.”
The Cycling Without Age program launched in 2012 in Denmark and runs in 37 countries around the world. Around 20 groups operate in Australia.
“I’ve witnessed firsthand some of the incredible new friendships created through Cycling Without Age between people riding and nursing home residents,” said Adrian Boss, CWA coordinator from BIKEast.
“With the new trishaw, we’ll be able to take residents on rides to explore the Sydney Opera House, The Botanical Gardens, the Domain, Rushcutters Bay Park and Centennial Parklands – all easily reached from local care homes.”
Suze's problem is she applied for the program but got knocked back, there is room for two on the trishaw, not one, hahaha
There you go, started in Copenhagen and is now taking the world by storm. Can't wait for my turn!
That sure is an improvement on this previous model ABE
The level of participation is in the hands of the participant and the provider.
Then all obstacles are overcome.
This is my level of participation.
As you can imagine, there is some resistance.
I only speak to those who encourage me and assist in the project.
For those who feel its impossible, unsuitable, irresponsible, dangerous, costly, and stupid, I avoid like the plague.
My wife calls it an indulgence. I call it living under my rules.
any mobility device that allows an individual to get off the couch and head outdoors is a good idea.
Sounds like a good plan Tom. You can join the Darwin Chapter.
Ray, like the look of those wheels!
Feel sorry for the areas that have to suffer this transport in view of the inadequate infrastructure, so will result in accidents and possibly death.
...the elderly sure are not getting any exercise
.... another pollie brainhair scheme to waste ratepayers money.