Gippsland › Latest news › Darren Chester MP

Darren Chester and Cycling Without Age Gippsland bringing joy to Buchan locals with first trishaw rides through Caves Reserve

Cycling Without Age Gippsland gave free trishaw rides to Buchan locals, connecting community members unable to cycle. More rides will soon be offered in Sale, Bairnsdale, and Lakes Entrance.

By news@gippsland - 2nd June 2025 - Back to News

Cycling Without Age Gippsland (CWAG) travelled to Buchan this week, where picturesque autumnal scenery provided a special experience for first-time passengers. The not-for-profit charity, chaired by local MP Darren Chester, is a new community service that helps to connect those no longer able to ride for themselves with their community by giving them free rides on trishaw e-bikes driven by volunteer pilots.

Cycling Without Age committee members Darren Chester and Carolynne Rankcom piloting Buchan locals Judy Gray, Heather Gissing, Kim Van Dyk and Melva Woodgate on their first-ever Cycling Without Age experience

Buchan trishaw adventure

Mr Chester and CWAG committee member Carolynne Rankcolm introduced four Buchan locals, Judy Gray, Heather Gissing, Kim Van Dyk and Melva Woodgate, to the Cycling Without Age experience. "Our first Cycling Without Age Gippsland ride in Buchan was lots of fun as we took some locals through the Caves Reserve on a chilly autumnal day."

"We actually needed the weather canopies for the first time, and although the pilots got a little wet in the misty rain, the passengers were very snug and warm under the shelter. The Parks Victoria crew members have the reserve looking fantastic after the major flood event 18 months ago, and the new road surfaces, bridges and pathway are perfect for our trishaws."

"I think we can add the Buchan Caves Reserve as another perfect destination for future Cycling Without Age Gippsland events because it's flat, there's plenty of flora and fauna to enjoy, and our passengers gave us some positive feedback," Darren said.

Free rides coming

CWAG will be offering more free rides in Sale, Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance in the coming weeks, with upcoming dates to be announced soon. Darren said anyone interested in booking a ride with CWAG should email the volunteer team at cwagippsland@gmail.com.

"Bookings are essential. You can also find Cycling Without Age Gippsland on Facebook and Instagram for information and the latest news," Darren said. If you would like to support Cycling Without Age Gippsland and are in a position to do so, public donations are welcomed via Chuffed website.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com