Feeling the Wind in Their Hair
The Parramatta Chapter of Cycling Without Age takes passengers along the cycle path beside the beautiful Parramatta River at Silverwater NSW. Our vision is for older adults and people with a disability to enjoy life, feel involved in their community and connected to the environment. We provide free rides on trishaw e-bikes, piloted by volunteer cyclists.
The interaction of passengers, volunteers and their community promotes inclusivity, reduces isolation and helps to make our passengers feel valued. Nothing beats their smiles coming back from a ride with the “wind in their hair”, rosy cheeks and full of shared stories.
Our 'bike' routes provide a clear public vision of community inclusiveness. The sight of our 'bikes' along the pathways not only raises awareness and visibility for older people and people with disability, it also engages community members. Smiles, waves, and conversations help improve mental health and wellbeing, strengthen connections, and build more inclusive communities.
When we have monthly rides we provide morning tea for the passengers waiting for their turn on the Trishaw. We need to recruit more volunteers to cover rotation of volunteers. We also have ongoing costs for maintenance to ensure the Trishaw rides are safe for our passengers.
Cycling Without Age is a global community service connecting elderly people and those less-abled with their community and the outdoors by giving them free rides on trishaw e-bikes, piloted by volunteer cyclists. Cycling Without Age Australia, Inc (CWAA) is a registered charity established to support and empower communities to make this happen throughout Australia. We believe the elderly (and those with mobility challenges) have the right to be visible and active in our society.
By allowing our passengers to enjoy improved quality of life; joy connecting and engaging with others, their community, and the environment by: - partaking in an activity like cycling that would otherwise not be possible - enjoying fresh air, sunshine, nature and views - having a service that is accessible, inclusive, unique, fun and totally AWESOME!