Trishaw rides taking off at lake gardens

THE new volunteer group giving older people and those with disabilities free trishaw rides in Bendigo is one step closer to securing its own vehicle.

The Cycling Without Age Bendigo chapter was launched in April and is fundraising to buy its own $22,000 trishaw – a three-wheeled electric bike with pedal-assist which can carry two passengers on the front.

It has secured a trishaw on a six-month loan from the organisation’s national body.

Pam Erny, who chairs the Bendigo chapter, said five volunteer pilots were now fully trained and several more people were interested.

Mrs Erny said the loan was allowing the chapter to train pilots properly, and also to take people on rides if a request was received.

The chapter also has an option to buy the loan trishaw if it can meet the price, she said, although a new model is expected in January next year.

Mrs Erny said interest was developing as the chapter becomes more widely known, with its Facebook page receiving more and more visits.

“Momentum is gathering; people are very positive about it,” she said, adding that there was already at least one repeat customer.

Mrs Erny said most people were being taken on rides at Lake Weeroona and through the botanic gardens, which were “lovely places” for a trip.

She said the chapter had received contributions to its fundraising drive from the Bendigo Northern District Community Enterprise and the Y Service Club of Bendigo, which were helping to buy equipment and to cover running costs for the year.

The chapter is planning a sausage sizzle at the Bunnings store in Kangaroo Flat from 8am to 4pm on 17 November as another fundraiser.

Mrs Erny said anyone interested in going on a trishaw ride can organise one by emailing [email protected] or getting in touch via the chapter’s Facebook page.

Cycling Without Age is a not-for-profit charity that provides a community service by connecting those no longer able to ride for themselves with their community and the outdoors by giving them free rides on trishaw e-bikes, piloted by volunteer cyclists.