Age no barrier

Elderly and less-abled residents will have the the chance to enjoy the outdoors and feel the wind in their hair, with free trishaw rides launching in City of Rockingham this month.

Cycling Without Age offers recreational mobility to seniors predominantly to help improve their health and well-being, and reduce social isolation.

Piloted by volunteer cyclists, the trishaw e-bike rides provide interaction between passengers and pilots, and promotes inclusivity and active citizenship across all ages.

With help from several local businesses and community groups, Cycling Without Age will get rolling in Rockingham on October 25.

Planning, fundraising and coordination efforts began more than six months ago, with HBG Tax and Accounting, APMS Engineering, Rotary Palm Beach, Baptist Care and the Autumn Centre jumping onboard as major contributors.

Rotary Baldivis and Baptistcare also contributed to fundraising efforts alongside several community members.

HGB Tax and Accounting director Gemma Heaney said she was inspired to bring Cycling Without Age to Rockingham because it helped connect elderly people with the outdoors and prevented them from being isolated in their home or care.

“Residents and riders also get to enjoy the stories of the elderly while getting exercise,” she said.

The trishaws cost about $21,000 each including $5000 worth of setup costs. An additional $5000 is also required each year for upkeep of the trishaws and running costs.

“So far we have enough for the first trishaw and running costs we hope,” she said. “The target is for Rockingham community to have two trishaws operating as many days as possible.”

Cycling Without Age will officially be launched at the Autumn Centre in Rockingham at 10am on Saturday, October 25.

Rides will also be offered at the City of Rockingham Seniors and Carers Expo at Mike Barnett Sports Complex on October 11 and at the Foreshore celebrations on October 26 and 27.

Pilot training for volunteer cyclists will begin on Saturday, October 12. Anyone who would like to volunteer should contact Cycling Without Age — Rockingham via Facebook.