AnglicareSA’s Community Aged Care Social Activities customers recently had the opportunity to get back on the bike, thanks to the global not-for-profit charity Cycling Without Age.

The charity promises that people who can no longer ride for themselves will feel the wind in their hair again by providing them with free rides on three-wheeled electric trishaws piloted by volunteer cyclists.

Established in 2012, the charity has more than 2,500 chapters globally, with more than 40 in Australia alone.

Cycling Without Age rolled out the service for the first time in Adelaide in June 2024 with AnglicareSA coming onboard to provide permanent storage for the charity’s fleet of trishaws at our Thebarton Warehouse.

Volunteer cyclists take two passengers at a time on a 40-minute ride starting in Bonython Park and following along the River Torrens, offering views of Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Gaol, and the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

 

 

Benefits of cycling

Cycling Without Age Adelaide Co-ordinator Tom Twelftree said the experience was about maintaining community connection while providing participants with access to green spaces.

“It gives them the opportunity to experience the exhilaration of the wind in the hair and the sights of the world around them, reigniting a sense of freedom and adventure often lost with age or physical limitations,” Tom said.

“Beyond the physical benefits of fresh air and gentle exercise, these rides promote mental well-being, combating feelings of isolation and loneliness by fostering social connections.

“They can have a chat along the way with the volunteer pilot or with another passenger on the trishaw.”

 

Something to look forward to

Social Activities customer Mick said he was “wheel-y” excited for his ride on board the trishaws and that the experience lived up to his expectations.

“I have enjoyed myself today,” Mick said.

“It was a nice warm day, not too hot, and riding brings back memories.”

AnglicareSA Social Activities Lead Tash Burcyzk said the response from customers was overwhelmingly positive.

“They absolutely loved it and said they wanted to go again,” Tash said.

“They spoke of the views of the city, the fresh air, and the engagement with the volunteers who pointed out places of interest along the way.”