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Cycling Without Age Gippsland nears launch, offering free trishaw rides to promote community connection

Cycling Without Age Gippsland is launching soon, providing free trishaw rides to those unable to cycle. The initiative promotes community connection and mobility, with volunteers trained for passenger safety.

By news@gippsland - 26th September 2024 - Back to News

The official launch of a new initiative, in which volunteers provide free trishaw bike rides to those who are unable to cycle by themselves, edges ever closer as Cycling Without Age Gippsland reaches another milestone. From humble beginnings in Denmark to an international phenomenon operating in more than 40 countries, Cycling Without Age is bringing joy, one trishaw bike ride at a time.

Cycling Without Age Westernport regulars Wendy and Michael enjoy their weekly trishaw ride

Charity expands nationwide

Since arriving in Australia in 2016, the charity that addresses social isolation and community engagement for the elderly and those with limited mobility has grown to more than 45 chapters nationwide. Cycling Without Age Gippsland is Australia's newest Cycling Without Age chapter, with local MP Darren Chester leading the initiative as honorary president.

Mr Chester said, "Taking inspiration from a worldwide movement, a group of locals has formed the new Cycling Without Age chapter, and I have been elected as the inaugural Chair of 'Cycling Without Age Gippsland' and given the responsibility to help trial the concept."

"It's a not-for-profit charity that provides a community service by connecting those no longer able to ride for themselves with their community and the outdoors by giving them free rides on trishaw e-bikes, piloted by volunteer cyclists. The state-of-the-art trishaws are purpose-built for the safe transportation of passengers, and this is the first opportunity to bring this program to towns across Gippsland," he said.

Cycling project progresses

Cycling Without Age Gippsland is on track to develop a mobile service for Sale, Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance before the end of this year, having successfully acquired its first trishaw, with a plan to purchase another trishaw and a custom-built trailer. Most recently, Cycling Without Age Gippsland committee members Treasurer-Secretary Carolynne Rankcom and Zoe Askew underwent trishaw pilot training with the team at Cycling Without Age Westernport.

"Obviously, safety is our number one priority, and we will be training all our volunteers to make sure our passengers have the best possible experience. Just seeing the smiles on the faces of the passengers at the Westernport service has inspired us even further, and we are increasing our fundraising efforts," Ms Rankcom said.

CWA Gippsland President Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester

Support CWA Gippsland

The group has already raised in excess of $35,000 with the support of local businesses and community groups and is encouraging locals to make a contribution through a community fundraising initiative. If you would like to donate and are in a position to do so, scan the QR code or go to Cycling Without Age Gippsland - Donate website.

Anyone interested in registering to train as a volunteer pilot can contact Cycling Without Age Gippsland at cwagippsland@gmail.com. Follow Cycling Without Age Gippsland on Facebook or Instagram to keep up to date with the latest news.

Pictures from Cycling Without Age.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com