[L]ocal Penrith business, Gaudium Ltd are launching a new project for the elderly and disabled residents in the local area.
Cycling Without Age, a volunteer run programme that began in Denmark, uses tricycles with front seating to take the elderly (or others) out for a spin.
More than 225 chapters around the world offer Cycling Without Age from well over 1,000 trishaws, and more than 8,000 pilots ensure that the elderly get out of their nursing homes, out on the bikes to enjoy the fresh air and the community around them. volunteer Mel Brown at Gaudium, said: “You can volunteer as often or as little as you want, and the cycle rides are free!”
Mariusz Waluk, Managing Director at Gaudium said: “Cycling Without Age is about engaging people of all ages to build community, there is a need in the local community for this project to provide enrichment for those who are unable to get outside in the fresh air’. Mariusz added ‘we are very excited to be involved in this project especially as it will be the first trishaw in Cumbria, and we cannot wait to see the response of the community, and the people who will enjoy the rides on the bike.”
Staff from Gaudium and Arragons Cycle Centre, in Penrith, took the bike on a test run through Penrith town centre on a misty drizzly morning, luckily the bike is supplied with a hood and cover for the legs to ensure passengers stay dry!
Mel Brown at Gaudium, said: “The bike is surprisingly easy to handle, even without the battery power on and people sitting in the specially designed chair!”
In order for Gaudium to be able to join in this global activity, funds of £6,000 need to be raised, via a Crowdfunder page to purchase a bike, please visit the page to support this cause.
The demo bike is currently in Penrith for a two week trial and staff are keen to ensure the bike gets used by the community, whilst it is based in Penrith.
If you have any questions, on becoming a volunteer or how to access the service, please contact [email protected], or visit the Facebook page for further information on how to join in.
