Elderly and disabled residents can have ‘a wonderful Christmas time’ on festive trishaw ride...
Specially adapted trishaw bikes funded by Watford Borough Council will hit the town centre (12 December) and Cassiobury Park (18 December) this Christmas, with elderly and disabled residents able to take a tour around this year’s wonderful festive lights display or the Top 10 park.
The rickshaw-style device which comfortably seats two people, connects those no longer able to ride for themselves with their community and the outdoors, by giving them free rides from volunteers at Watford Cycle Hub. Users will be able enjoy the illuminating High Street LED tree lights and giant twinkly Christmas tree, or take in beautiful scenery at Cassiobury Park. To book, visit watfordcyclehub.org.uk/trishaw-rides.
The ‘Cycling Without Age’ initiative helps to increase physical activity and emotional wellbeing with both the passengers and cyclists alike. Local resident Marjorie who took part last year commented: “Cycling Without Age brings the amazing feeling of riding a bicycle to those who are not able to pedal on their own, I loved every minute of the ride.”
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “Everyone can appreciate how isolating old age can become. The time spent with the volunteers on the Trishaw is a wonderful opportunity for participants to enjoy wind in their hair, to connect with others and the chance to share their stories. It is fantastic seeing the joy these sessions bring to everyone involved.”
Kate Jenkins, founder of Watford Cycle Hub, said: “The act of two passengers sharing a trishaw, along with the volunteer pilots, creates new relationships and friendships, which has proven to be one of the most valuable aspects of this project. Elderly people are brought back into community life, stories are shared, and health and wellbeing improves for everyone involved.”
Trishaw rides are an expansion of the very successful ‘Lets Ride’ free led and guided rides for all, which the council currently runs in Watford through partnerships with British Cycling and Watford Cycle Hub. Its aim is to get more people - more active, more often, through cycling - encouraging riding groups and offering cycling courses for adults and children.
If you would like to book a free ride or fancy becoming a volunteer cyclist on the electrical pedal-assisted trishaws, please visit watfordcyclehub.org.uk/trishaw-rides.
