When you think of cycling, you might imagine speed, adrenaline, or perhaps an intense climb up a steep hill. But today, I want to share a different kind of cycling – one that focuses on connection, storytelling, and the simple joy of moving slowly.
Cycling Without Age is a global movement started in Denmark in 2012 by Ole Kassow. Ole had a vision: to help older adults rediscover the joy of cycling, even if limited mobility made it seem impossible. His solution was the trishaw – a three-wheeled cycle designed to carry passengers at the front – and it all began with free rides for local nursing home residents. Since then, the movement has grown to include chapters in 39 countries worldwide.
Here in Stockton-on-Tees, I’m proud to lead our local chapter, and I’ve brought along ‘Trixie,’ our trusty trishaw, to share a little about what we do.
A Ride Through Stories and Memories
Our rides typically last around an hour and include a variety of experiences. For care home residents, it might mean a gentle journey through a local park, where we’ll stop to enjoy activities like Animal Bingo. Trixie also takes part in community events, from Christmas fairs to lantern festivals, creating unforgettable moments for passengers.
One of the most meaningful aspects of our rides is what we call “reminiscent rides.” These are designed for people living with dementia, where we explore places that hold special meaning for them – childhood homes, old schools, or spots where significant life events occurred. These rides often spark incredible stories and memories, helping us connect across generations.
The Power of Storytelling
Storytelling is a core pillar of Cycling Without Age. As we journey together, passengers often share memories from their past, turning a simple ride into something truly magical. It’s not just about getting from one place to another; it’s about revisiting the places and moments that make us who we are.
Generosity, Slowness, and Being “Without Age”
Cycling Without Age is built on a few key principles:
- Generosity: Our rides are made possible by volunteer pilots who generously give their time and energy to create these experiences. It’s a small act of kindness with a big impact.
- Slowness: In a world that often moves too fast, our rides embrace slowness. They allow us to savor the environment, enjoy the present moment, and meet new people along the way. I’ll never forget a care home resident who hadn’t crossed their threshold for three years during the pandemic, experiencing the outdoors again thanks to Trixie.
- Without Age: Our rides break down barriers between generations. It doesn’t matter if you’re a volunteer pilot in your 20s or a passenger in your 80s – cycling brings us together as equals, sharing joy and connection.
A Look at Trixie
Trixie, our beloved trishaw, is the heart of what we do. These specialized bikes cost around £12,500, which means we rely heavily on fundraising and donations to keep our chapter running. From parks to festivals, Trixie goes wherever she’s needed, offering older adults and those with limited mobility the chance to experience the world from the comfort of her seat.
Looking to the Future
We have big plans for Cycling Without Age Stockton-on-Tees. We’re aiming to recruit more volunteer pilots, increase the number of rides we offer, and eventually add a wheelchair-accessible trishaw to our fleet. With every ride, we hope to continue building bridges between generations, celebrating stories, and showing that age is no barrier to joy.
Cycling Without Age is about so much more than cycling – it’s about bringing people together, one slow and meaningful ride at a time. If you’d like to get involved, whether as a volunteer or supporter, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep the wheels turning!
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