Enriching and enhancing lives - Cycling Without Age Scotland
/People across Scotland with mobility issues and/or living with other challenges, and particularly people in and around Clackmannanshire, are being encouraged to make use of Cycling Without Age Scotland’s pioneering accessible Trishaws.
These unusual bikes can get virtually anyone with limited mobility out into the fresh air, to be part of their community and to meet old friends and make new ones. Cycling Without Age Scotland offers these rides free of charge to people of all ages, and especially to the elderly and people who feel isolated or lonely.
Even wheelchair users, in some instances, can enjoy this unique and safe form of cycling. There are huge benefits, too, for the volunteers who “pilot” the Trishaws – for which they receive full training. It’s an uplifting and fulfilling activity, not to mention gentle exercise in the fresh air and the chance to enjoy very special camaraderie.
This Larbert based charity has its routes in the work of another local community organisation, the Communities Along the Carron Association, which had been working with local agencies in order to develop paths and connections along the Carron. It consulted with over 3,000 people and increased access was identified as a priority.
This led to the setting up of Cycling Without Age Scotland, which is affiliated to the international movement Cycling Without Age, based in Denmark. Cycling Without Age was established in 2012 in Copenhagen with the aim of helping older people to get back into cycling again. By 2015 it had spread to 50 countries around the world.
The movement links country branches, or ‘Chapters’, across the world. Each country then has its own Chapters which are volunteer-led and fundraise and engage with people in their area. Cycling Without Age Scotland is now active in most parts of Scotland, with Chapters from Wick to Hawick and the Western Isles, and more are joining … virtually every day.
If you’re searching for a great example of how a few passionate folk can branch their spokes out from the local to the international and, in doing so, benefit communities all across Scotland, then look no further than Cycling Without Age Scotland.
More information
Cycling Without Age Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government and has several Trishaws in the Larbert area, including bikes that can securely carry a wheelchair. The organisation is encouraging any disabled people, or disabled people’s organisations or their families or carers, to get in touch by calling 01324 467 272.
Visit Cycling Without Age Scotland’s website for more information. Click here to open up a new link to the website.
Find out where there’s a Cycling Without Age Scotland Chapter near you. Click here: https://bit.ly/3E3dmTH
You can read more about the organisation in Scotland in an article in the Falkirk Herald. See Falkirk Herald article.
The Alloa Advertiser also has an article about how one of the new bikes has a defibrillator on board. See Alloa Advertiser article.
See our Spotlights section for more stories and news from community groups around Scotland.
Some of the Trishaws can securely carry a wheelchair