Mandurah volunteer puts wheels in motion

Cycling Without Age is run by volunteers who take seniors on specially built trishaw bikes making them feel part of society. 

Interested members of the public heard more about the activity from volunteer John Wass and CWA founder Dorthe Pederson, on Thursday at Frasers Landing Community Centre. 

Ms Pederson and Mr Wass spoke of the benefits of bringing the seniors activity to the Mandurah community.

Mr Wass said he got involved with CWA because he could see how it changed perceptions and the community, for the better. 

“I could see the opportunity in Mandurah,” he said. 

“I saw how it could help elderly people in aged care homes, so I visited a few and the reception has been very good.

“I see 20 to 30 bikes being here in the future.”

If Mr Wass had the opportunity to ride in a trishaw in the future, he said he would “grab it with both hands”.

“Someday I will be in an aged care home, and if someone said ‘would you like to come for a ride on a bike?’ I would grab it, with both hands,” he said. 

“I am sure there will be dozens of people who will do that.

“It brings something extra into peoples lives and alot of those people would have been cyclists in their day.”

Mr Wass said he wanted the City of Mandurah to buy a trishaw, to get things rolling.

“The aged care homes are lacking funds to buy these bikes outright,” he said.

“I hope the Council jumps on board and buys one.”

A City of Mandurah spokeswoman said a representative attended the forum and was open to hearing the group’s ideas.

“The City has encouraged the group to apply for a Community Association Fund grant to potentially assist with purchasing a trishaw,” she said. 

In Perth there are three trishaws operating in Bull Creek, Melville and Sorrento and Cottesloe. 

With 1500 trishaws worldwide and over 50,000 elderly people enjoying rides, the program encourages aging in a positive context, using cycling as a means to bridge generations. 

Ms Pederson had inspired and facilitated initiatives in education, health promotion and aged care through collaborative impact. 

With 20 years’ experience in both public and private sector organisations, she has worked internationally with community and civil society development. 

For more information on the Mandurah event, contact John Wass at john@cyclingwithoutage.org.au 0403 340 034. 

For information on Cycling Without Age and how it works, visit website: www.cyclingwithoutage.org or visit the Facebook page.