Cycling Without Age

Cycling Without Age is a global organisation that has been running for over 4 years. Founded in Denmark by Ole Kassow, it now has representation in 42 countries!

The concept of Cycling Without Age is taking elderly people (or those with disabilities) out for bike rides in specially built trishaw bikes piloted by volunteers. The bike rides are free of charge. Cycling Without Age’s mission is to build bridges between generations and help prevent loneliness: they provide the elderly people an opportunity to avoid social isolation and remain active in their community by taking them out on bike rides and allow them to feel the wind in their hair!

We visited Cycling Without Age in Canning, which are located at Canning River off Kent St and operates every Friday morning. Other regular ride locations are in Fremantle and Melville, with other locations (Albany, Sorrento, York, Mandurah and Rockingham) to be contacted for enquiries

It was easy to book, although you might be able to get a ride on the day depending on how busy they are. There were three tricycles at Canning River the day we went. The lady I made the booking with was very helpful and even suggested I could drive my parents to the drop-off area where they could get straight onto the tricycle instead of having to walk far. This was helpful as my dad isn’t very mobile.

I took my daughter’s bike along and they were very happy for her to ride with us. My parents comfortably fitted into one tricycle, my daughter rode her own bike and as there was a free tricycle I rode in one too.

The tricycles had a footrest, the middle section can be removed while the passengers get on and off and the volunteers help the passengers too. The tricycles are fitted with seatbelts and there were rugs available to keep the legs warm on the ride. The bikes are quite comfortable and while my rider apologised for a few bumps I thought the ride was very smooth.

The bikes travel at about 10km per hour and our ride went for about half an hour. The ride was quite scenic crossing the river a couple of times.

Once the ride was finished we went to the Canning River Cafe for lunch. My parents had a great time on the ride and my daughter enjoyed it too. I’m very glad I found out about Cycling Without Age and were able to have a fun day out that we could all participate in and enjoy.

For more information visit cyclingwithoutage.org.au

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