Fin Hansen, Yorke Peninsula Country Times
Elderly people and those with disabilities are being encouraged to sit back while someone else pedals.
Wallaroo Community Development Association has launched a Cycling Without Age chapter and purchased a trishaw bike to transport people across the Copper Coast comfortably.
The program has been enabled by a $10,000 grant through the state government’s Positive Ageing Fellowship Grants 2022-23 received by Copper Coast Council, in partnership with WCDA.
An additional $5000 from the RAA Grassroots Giving program and private funding from local cyclists also helped the initiative come to fruition.
WCDA president Andy West said Cycling Without Age Wallaroo would provide a unique service by connecting those who are not able to cycle with their community by giving them free rides on trishaws.
“Free rides for those with mobility issues will be offered (to aged care and disability support services),” Mr West said.
“Comfortable slow rides will provide a unique opportunity for engagement with the community and nature — users can feel the wind in their hair while forming new friendships.”
The trishaw bike has two gel seats, a retractable hood and removable footplate to allow people with walking difficulties to sit down without lifting their feet.
Cycling Without Age Wallaroo is seeking volunteers to register as pilots to ride the bike, as well as people to cycle alongside in case of emergencies.
Wallaroo’s Leona Clarke came up with the idea to establish the program after seeing photos of a trishaw being used in Keith.
“We hope to take people for rides along the foreshore and other areas of the Copper Coast at least one day per week,” Mrs Clarke said.
“This will be great to help the elderly and people with disabilities engage with the community and feeling like they still belong.
“We’re looking for as many volunteers as possible — it’s really in the hands of the community now.”
Councillor Cathy Vluggen said the program would be a positive boost for local tourism.
“Anything we can do to introduce mobility vehicles like this will help to improve inclusivity on the Copper Coast,” she said.
The trishaw will be available for use this month.
To become a volunteer cyclist, contact Andy West on 0418 859 646.
This article appeared in the Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 6 2023.
