Help bring trishaw rides to Lismore’s elderly

VOLUNTEER cyclists are being sought to help bring joy and mobility to elderly residents and people with disabilities by piloting trishaw ebikes along the Lismore section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

The Gold Coast chapter of the not-for-profit charity Cycling Without Age has supported the establishment of a new chapter in Burringbar, with a Casino chapter expected to launch within weeks.

Two trishaws — specially designed electric-assist bikes with passenger seating at the front — have been funded by Casino RSM through a successful ClubGrants application. The ClubGrants program allows registered NSW clubs with profits over $1 million to support local community services, programs and projects through financial or in-kind contributions.

The trishaws, imported from Denmark, are expected to arrive in early July.

“There’s a few people there who have been trained and they’re ready to roll,” Gold Coast chapter community captain Wayne Sticher said.

“Some of them saw us as far back as when the Tweed section of the rail trail opened at Murwillumbah in early 2023.

“We find that seeing is believing. When people see the trishaws operating and passengers smiling it really attracts people to become volunteers.

“Some of these people haven’t been out of their aged care homes in years and we’re showing them a bit of love.”

Mr Sticher said he expects interest in the program to grow following the screening of a film about Cycling Without Age as part of the Big Bike Film Night, scheduled for August 30 at Lismore’s Star Court Theatre.

Cycling Without Age was founded in Copenhagen in 2012 by Ole Kassow, who sought a way to help residents of a nearby nursing home rediscover the freedom of cycling despite their limited mobility. The initiative has since expanded to over 40 countries, including Australia in 2016. Typical rides span five kilometres and last around 40 minutes.

“It’s about trying to involve the community in something really unique and rewarding but it does involve raising money to purchase trishaws, which are around $25,000 by the time you buy and insure them,” Mr Sticher said. “But there’s a lot of grant money out there, we can provide templates and these days with AI it’s easy.

“It does need to be led by the community, not the council or a government department.”

For more information, visit cyclingwithoutage.org.au