Cycling Without Age rolls out on the Rail Trail

Cycling Without Age (CWA) and Tweed Shire Council have collaborated to bring an innovative and inclusive service to the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT).

With support from the Office of Sport and Recreation, the free service run by dedicated volunteers will provide free trishaw rides for elderly individuals and people with disabilities and reduced mobility, fostering community connections and enhancing access to the award-winning trail.

The council’s Destination and Industry Development Program Leader, Nicole Manderson, said the goal of delivering an inclusive and accessible service through CWA has been the same since the Tweed section was first opened.

“The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is accessible for all,” Manderson said. “It is a huge value add to our guest experiences on the trail, and we know this will bring many smiles and joy to our community and rail trail guests.

Community members come together for the inaugural ride of the Cycling Without Age service, celebrating the launch at Burringbar. Photo: SUPPLIED

“This chapter will operate between Burringbar and Mooball for now, offering a unique outdoor recreation experience for those who might otherwise be unable to enjoy the trail independently.”

CWA is an independent, not-for-profit organisation with 37 chapters, reconnecting vulnerable Australians with their communities and environment through free trishaw rides. Rides will operate on the sealed Tweed section of the Rail Trail every half hour between Burringbar and Mooball on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings from 9.30 am.

Community Captain at CWA Burringbar Tracey McDonagh said it had been a team effort.

“We are grateful for the NRRT supporting us with temporary storage and operational needs, two of the biggest challenges we face in establishing a CWA service,” McDonagh said.

Smiles all around as the first riders experience the joy of the Cycling Without Age initiative. Photo: SUPPLIED

“We thank the NSW Office of Sport and Recreation for funding our first two trishaws to the value of $50,000, and we also look forward to growing our fleet and offering wheelchair-accessible bike rides in the future.

“We are deeply grateful to the Cycling Without Age National body, our Burringbar chapter committee, the Rotary Club of Mt Warning, 99 Bikes Tweed Heads, and our dedicated volunteers.

“It is a great day to launch this free service to get people in nature and experience this beautiful part of the world. We hope to see many of you soon,” she said.

Bookings are encouraged. For more information, visit facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554013541431