Biking that breaks barriers

A NEW volunteer group in Bendigo is helping older people and those with disabilities get the wind in their hair by offering free trishaw rides.

The Cycling Without Age Bendigo chapter was launched in April and is now raising money to buy its own trishaw – a three-wheeled electric bike with pedal-assist which can carry two passengers on the front.

Pam Erny, who chairs the chapter, said four fully-trained trishaw pilots are already in action and three other people have indicated they want to be one.

Several others are helping as required but more volunteers are needed.

Ms Erny said people can get involved in several ways.

“For pilots, training is provided, and it is a wonderful sense of pleasure to be able to bring joy to others,” she said.

Ms Erny said most committee positions are filled but more people at meetings would be welcome. Membership is free and volunteers can help out as much as they are able.

“We are really excited to bring this wonderful initiative to Bendigo for our local residents,” Ms Erny said.

“There are many benefits that our service can bring including, but not limited to, combating loneliness and developing conversation and relationships with pilots and others.

“It enables them to get out and about, to add some extra enjoyment to their day and also give them an extra activity to look forward to on a regular basis.

“Our mantra is ‘the right to wind in your hair’.”

Jenneth Barry, 63, tried out the service during a recent promotional day at Lake Weeroona, and highly recommends it.

“I am a stroke and brain tumour survivor who is semi-paralysed,” Ms Barry said.

“I forget what I was once able to do and don’t think of alternative ways to do activities I once enjoyed, such as bike riding.

“The whole experience of Cycling Without Age was way better than I expected – the volunteers were friendly, enthusiastic and engendered trust.

“As we rode along, I loved the feeling of freedom and being safe enough to tip my head back and look up through the trees to the blue sunny sky.”

Cycling Without Age was founded in Denmark in 2012 by Ole Kassow when he wanted to get older people and those with disabilities back on their bikes.

A subsequent study reported improvements in participants’ mental and physical health and the organisation has since spread to 42 countries.

There are 40 chapters with more than 300 volunteers in Australia.

“Our mission is to connect our residents with their community and the environment, to experience living in a positive way, avoiding social isolation and remaining active whatever their age, ability or background,” Ms Erny said.

Cycling Without Age Bendigo has a Facebook page and is also on Whatsapp.

Visit cyclingwithoutage.org.au or contact [email protected].