Cycling Without Age Echuca offers free rides through town using specially built trishaw bikes piloted by volunteers. Pictured (l-r) are ERH executive director nursing midwifery Meredith Hodder, Cycling Without Age Echuca chair Mick Masters, Cycling Without Age Echuca secretary Deb Luke, Campaspe Shire Council community development co-ordinator Jess Ibbeson and Cycling Without Age Echuca volunteer Sarah Masters.
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Cycling Without Age Echuca uses specially built trishaw bikes, piloted by volunteers, to take passengers out for free rides through town.
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The concept aims to reduce social isolation and build connections between generations.
Cycling Without Age Echuca chair Mick Masters said the idea came to him unexpectedly.
“I was in Kerang on an interview panel when I saw a woman ride past on a trishaw and I commented to one of the interview panel members and said, ‘what was that?’
“The panel member said, ‘Oh, that's my mum.’
“And I said, ‘Well, you better tell me more about that.’
“She told me about Cycling Without Age Australia and I said, ‘That is perfect for Echuca’.
Mick said Echuca was an ideal location for the program.
“The topography is flat; it is scenic; there are plenty of places to take people for them to look at something that is interesting,” he said.
“There is a growing older population, so there is certainly a need.”
The initiative aims to reduce social isolation and foster intergenerational connections. Pictured are (l-r) Glanville Village nurse unit manager Danielle Clark, ERH executive director nursing midwifery Meredith Hodder, ERH executive director finance and corporate services Robyn Rudge, Glanville Village leisure and lifestyle co-ordinator Erick Melad, ERH executive director people, culture and safety Debra Hill, ERH chief executive officer Carol-Anne Lever, Cycling Without Age Echuca volunteer Sarah Masters, Cycling Without Age Echuca secretary Deb Luke, ERH director of nursing residential and clinical services Darren Clark, Cycling Without Age Echuca chair Mick Masters and Cycling Without Age Echuca volunteer Ben Hearn.
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The trishaws are electric-assist bikes that carry one or two passengers in a front-facing seat, travelling at no more than 10km/h.
Some models can also accommodate wheelchairs.
Mick said the program held personal significance.
“Both my mum and dad, Gordon and Anne Masters, have passed away, but they were very active outdoors people,” he said.
“In the last 12 months of their lives, they found themselves in care facilities, and to have the opportunity for older people to get out of those care facilities, even if it is just for a short time, adds value to their lives.”
The group currently has about 15 volunteer pilots but is hoping to grow.
“Ideally, I'd love to get about 25 to 30 pilots,” Mick said.
“And I think, with Echuca's growing population, with retirees in particular, it is a great opportunity for somebody new to the town to get involved in a volunteer group that is providing value to someone else’s life.”
The group has an existing relationship with Glanville Village at Echuca Regional Health (ERH) and is expanding its reach.
“We have a meeting with Bupa,” Mick said, adding that the group also hopes to support Wharparilla and reach people living independently in the community.
Echuca Regional Health purchased a trishaw for about $24,000, and the group is currently fundraising to buy its own bike, while accessing a trishaw from Cycling Without Age Australia.
Mick thanked Darren Clark at ERH, Angela Heard from the national committee, the original person on the bike in Kerang, Echuca Community Fund, Campaspe Shire Council and the Rich River Custom Car Club for supporting the chapter's establishment.
The group is actively seeking more volunteer pilots to expand its reach and is fundraising to purchase its own trishaw bike. Pictured is (l-r) Glanville Village leisure and lifestyle co-ordinator Erick Melad and Dennis Shanahan.
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