Cycling Without Age
Cycling Without Age Scotland (CWAS) is an intergenerational project that helps people who are isolated or have mobility issues to get outdoors. The project aims to give people with limited mobility an opportunity to experience the joy of cycling in their later years.
Volunteers help to transform lives and combat loneliness and isolation by enabling people to enjoy the benefits of the outdoor environment through trips on Trishaws and wheelchair accessible bikes. The rides provide social interaction, enable new friendships, improve health and well-being and integrate communities. Every volunteer in the team plays a vital role.
The project is a partnership between Cycling Without Age Aberdeen City, Cycling Without Age Scotland and Sport Aberdeen, and was initially made possible thanks to the local Health Improvement Fund. Additional funding from CNOCC, NESTRANS and Just Transition has allowed the fleet to expand, and Sport Aberdeen continue to lend support with storage and maintenance of the fleet of bikes.
In 2024, Cycling without Age Aberdeen offered 450 rides to 900 passengers from a range of care homes and groups across the city, and provided rides to members of the public at special events at Aberdeen Beach, Duthie Park and Hazlehead Park.
Registering Interest
If you would like to be involved in the project either as a volunteer, a partner organisation or passenger you can contact Cycling Without Age Aberdeen on
Email: cwasaberdeencity@gmail.com
Tel: 07587 678956
Facebook: Cycling Without Age Scotland – Aberdeen City
Or for further information about the project, you can contact activelifestyles@sportaberdeen.co.uk
Electrically assisted Trishaws, with two seats between their two front wheels, allow a ‘pilot’ to take two people for excursions, so the passengers can enjoy visiting local sites in an ecologically friendly way.
Electrically assisted Van Raam wheelchair accessible bikes, allow a ‘pilot’ to take one passenger who can remain in their own wheelchair during the ride to maximise comfort and ease of transfer on and off the bike, allowing more time to relax and enjoy the experience.
Pilot
A Pilot is a trained and experienced rider who will pilot the Trishaw when there are passengers onboard. There is a five-step training programme to complete which includes regular practice and a final sign off from the trainer.
Co-Pilot
A Co-Pilot is a rider who accompanies the pilot to assist as required with loading and unloading, checking the route ahead and generally being an extra pair of hands.
Co-Passenger
A Co-Passenger will accompany the passengers during a ride, being a friendly face and offering a helping hand. The Co-Passenger may also assist with the loading and unloading of the Trishaw.
Administrator
An Administrator will be responsible for the coordination and associated admin tasks of the Chapter and checking, in association with the Chapter Captain, the policies are being followed.
In this instance, the ‘Chapter’ refers to the Trishaw which will be operated in the Aberdeen area.
Maintenance Provider/ Mechanic
The Maintenance Provider/Mechanic will carry out any required maintenance on the Trishaws. Ideally holding a qualification, the role will require a maintenance logbook to be filled out and communication with CWAS as required.
Please note – volunteers must be over 16 years old and will be expected to complete the Cycling Without Age Scotland application paperwork which includes:
- Volunteer Application Form
- Two references
- A PVG check
- Attend a short, informal interview where the expectations of the volunteer and the needs of the Chapter can be discussed
