Get back on your bike and enjoy miles of smiles
Thousands of visitors of all ages have visited the Alloway Railway Tunnel (ART) to see the new mural, there is definitely something for everyone here. Word is getting around and the latest visitors are residents of local care homes who visit us in trishaws enabled by CyclingWithout Age Scotland . Their key objective is to encourage people to get back on their bike and enjoy miles of smiles.
Anna Mackay from Airlie House Residential Care Home in Ayr, South Ayrshire, is now one of our biggest fans! Anna says, ‘I used to cycle and walk a lot. I wish I could be the one doing the cycling, but going on a trishaw ride is the next best thing. People stare at you and shout, “That’s the way to travel!” It’s a really nice way to get around and feel the wind in your face. I’m, seeing places again I thought I’d never see.
I was a member of the Maybole Walking Group and loved all our walks – you don’t notice the miles when you are in great company. My husband and I used to walk together every day. The trishaw makes it possible for me to be active in the community again.
Last week I met old neighbours, people I have not seen in years. If you haven’t seen someone for a while it’s a great way to rekindle old friendships and make new ones too. It’s something to look forward to each week.
Tracy and Andy Moynihan ART Trustees are two of the trishaw pilots and asked me and my friend Chick if we would be guinea pigs and go a cycle to see the Alloway Railway Tunnel mural. When I was younger, I used to walk through the tunnel so I was keen to go along. So, we went on an adventure and it was just amazing. Each time we go, we see something else. The mural just keeps on growing. It takes me back to my school days and the Burns Festival and brings back lovely memories of my time growing up in Ayrshire. We always seem to meet people in the tunnel and have some really good engaging conversations there.’
Anna was delighted to visit the Cutty Sark Centre in Ayr to meet artist Chris Rutterford and see the latest sections of the mural being created by the community. Due to an arm injury, Anna couldn’t take part, but she’s looking forward to seeing the new Tam O’Shanter artwork when it’s installed in the tunnel.
We’ve interviewed Paul Wright, Community Sports Officer, at South Ayrshire Council to find out more about the trishaw cycling movement in Ayrshire.
How did the trishaw cycling experience begin in South Ayrshire?
Cycling Without Age Scotland has been around for over a decade, with the original idea coming from Denmark before travelling world-wide. We had seen how valued the project was within the communities who had a branch. There are now more than 70 branches of the project across Scotland. The most recent in South Ayrshire is Ayr Esplanade, following on from Chapters in Girvan and Prestwick. We identified an interest in setting up a new branch in the Seafield area, following conversation with Pat and Katrina Doherty – owners of the Remedy Café. They had heard about the project and wanted to support its launch in the area. We worked together to recruit volunteers and – with the great support from the national agency – secured funding for our own trishaws.
We have been supported by Age Concern, Ayrshire Roads Alliance and the Ayr Rotary Club to bring the project to life –much sooner that we first thought possible! We have also been hugely fortunate to have Creggan Bhan Home’s continued support, providing storage and a training location over the course of the last year – they have been terrific!
Who are the participants in this cycling experience?
Generally, residents of neighbouring care homes - in the case of our branch – and their relatives. However, we have supported Southcraigs school and young people with additional support needs to enjoy the bicycles also. There is so much potential – we are still building our offer.
Can groups be referred to you to be included in the programme? (e.g groups with disabilities as opposed to elderly people)
Yes, they are very welcome to get in touch. We always do our best to make the project and the bicycles accessible to everyone– although, for our branch, we are still building capacity to offer the service out more often. This is our first season operating.
Who are the pilots taking the lead in cycling and what training do they receive?
All of our pilots are volunteers who complete accredited training through Cycling Without Age Scotland. The initial training is around 3.5 hours, with further practice sessions thereafter. We take a buddy approach, pairing new volunteers with more experienced pilots. All volunteers go through a PVG check. Our volunteers are incredible. They are coming from different backgrounds and experience with a shared motivation to improve the lives of others.
Do you have regular clients and how often do they get taken out?
We run 3-4 sessions per week at the moment. Many of the participants go our regularly, perhaps 2-3 per month – some more.
Do clients have to pay? If so, so much?
No, all rides are free. We are set up as a charity – so we can accept donations, although there is no expectation.
Where do they go cycling?
Our favourite routes are along the esplanade in either direction. We were delighted to use the bikes to get to the fantastic sensory garden at Doonfoot and the mural at Alloway Railway Tunnel. It’s a fantastic experience for both participants and pilots.
What are the benefits for the client, the pilot and the council?
There’s a real sense of improved wellbeing from having the experience of being out a ride on the bikes. We are able to support people to stay connected within their community and enjoy the outdoors, which is so important to their mental and physical wellbeing. Each ride is a valuable social opportunity and spurs on conversation and friendship between participants. Our volunteers get a lot from the experience, too – it’s a privilege to work with such a great team on a fantastic initiative that bring so much happiness to those involved.
Paul Wright|Community Sports Hub Officer| Health & Wellbeing Team| Thriving Communities
