Trishaw bike ride along Weymouth seafront provides wellbeing boost for the elderly

Elderly customers who live at an Independent Housing Scheme run by local housing association, Aster Group were recently treated to a bike ride along the sea front to boost their wellbeing.

Three groups of four customers living at Westhaven House on Radipole Lane, Weymouth, were taken out by volunteers from Cycling Without Age, a charity set up to increase people’s wellbeing simply by giving them the chance to go for a bike ride. Although mobility issues might traditionally have stopped them, the team use special three-wheel trishaw bikes to make each ride possible.

So far three groups from Westhaven House have been out with Cycling Without Age, with more trips planned for the Spring.

Tony Helm, head of Independent Living at Aster said: “We’re so pleased that our customers have enjoyed these experiences, made possible by Cycling Without Age. One customer had previously been a keen cyclist herself and was thrilled to be able to get out and about once again.

“We want customers to enjoy living in the community at Westhaven House, while being able to take part in activities like this one. It’s great for their wellbeing, especially given the pandemic and the isolation it has caused many elderly people.”

Dot is 95 and lives in Westhaven House. She recently went on a bicycle ride with Cycling Without Age and said: “It really cheered me up. We have already decided that we will book again when the weather gets a bit better, I am really looking forward to it.”

Des Lochie has been a volunteer at the Weymouth branch of Cycling Without Age since it launched in 2019. The Weymouth volunteers recently celebrated completing their 1000th passenger ride.

Des said: “With the help of a great team of volunteers we have built connections with local care homes and support groups in the community.

“We are indebted to all the kind individuals and organisations, and to many passengers and passer-by’s who have made personal donations. We are humbled by the generosity of the local community.”