Rickshaw rides bring care home elderly outdoors after 'hardship of lockdown'

Electric-assisted rickshaws have brought the elderly out of their care homes again to revel in the outdoors thanks to the return of Cycling Without Age Rides.

Run by York Bike Belles, the free volunteer-run service has not been in operation since March 2020, but organisers say “after a pandemic pause of 18 months” the Cycling Without Age Rides are back to take care home residents all over the city of York.

‘Trixie’ is the name of the electric-assisted rickshaw taking residents out into the fresh air to see local sights, socialise in the community and put a smile on their faces.

From September 2021, the service returned to offer rides to three care homes in York – The Lodge, Hartrigg Oaks and the Chocolate Works Care Village.

Libertee Hull, Wellbeing Coordinator at Chocolate Works Care Village, says: “The Rides are amazing. They give the residents the opportunity to get outside which, since the pandemic, is the most important thing.

“Our residents get mentally and physically stimulated on the bike which helps them keep healthy in general, and helps with all sorts of mental health. We are all very keen and excited to have the Rides back.”

'Little short-term memory but she retained her adventure'

The daughter of care home resident Gwenda has said of the rides: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank York Bike Belles for providing my mother with an experience of a lifetime.

“Gwenda is a resident at The Chocolate Works Care Home and at 96 years old she joined me for a ride in a rickshaw! She loved every minute of it and happily pointed out landmarks she is familiar with as we travelled in style through the city centre to The Minster and back.

“My Mum has very little short term memory but she has retained her adventure in the rickshaw and she enjoys looking at the photographs, in fact she giggles about it!! It was super.”

'After the hardship of lockdown'

Baz Larner, activities coordinator at Rowntree Lodge wrote: “I have discussed this with some of the residents and shown them pictures of the bikes and what it involves. The reaction was amazing and they can’t wait to be able to take part and enjoy a ride in the fresh air.

"After the hardship of lockdown this will be a absolute treat and so beneficial to each and everyone. To be able to have a family member alongside as well will be so thrilling for them all. It literally opens up a whole new world and we can only imagine the social and mental health benefits that they will all enjoy.”

Cycling Without Age is a global movement that started in Copenhagen in 2012 and has now spread to 41 countries around the world.

Emily Tupper, a PhD researcher, was a volunteer cyclist in 2018/19. Ms Tupper interviewed passengers and volunteers over eight months and 23 rides as part of her research. Ms Tupper stated in her research: 'I do feel... that it is their freedom, that they relish and treasure it. I imagine what it must feel like to be inside all day and then glide off on a bike into the sunshine'.

York Bike Belles said: “We now have a wonderful team of 12 trained volunteer pedallers. Since late 2018, 156 residents from our existing communities have enjoyed 510 Rides, pedalled by 35 volunteer pedallers.

“At the start of 2020, we had set up an ongoing programme of 20 regular Rides a month at until forced to stop by the Covid-19 pandemic. We are aiming to reach this level of Rides once again by early 2022.”

If you are interested in rides at your care home, email Julie Kay, rides coordinator at julie.yorkbikebelles@gmail.com. The service relies on donations and grants to fund its cycling, which are offered free to York residents. It is appealing for sponsorship to continue its cycling scheme in 2022. You can donate by emailing yorkbikebelles@gmail.com or visiting https://yorkbikebelles.community/donate/.

click here for more details or to contact Chocolate Works