Rickshaw service for care home residents back on the road in York
The service was put on hold in March 2020 because of the pandemic.
Last updated 12th Oct 2021
A service which provides free cycle rides on a rickshaw around York is back - following a pause brought on by the pandemic.
Cycling Without Age are offering rides to three of their existing care communities in York; The Lodge in Heslington; Hartrigg Oaks in New Earswick and the Chocolate Works Care Village in South Bank.
The team there said: "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".
The rickshaw in question is called Trixie, and is driven by volunteer pedallers.
Julie Kay is the Rides Coordinator - she told Greatest Hits Radio York: "We wanted to come back as soon as we could, and didn't realise it would be so long.
"Since May we've been speaking to the care homes, and as you would understand they've been a little bit cautious about activities involving contact with other people.
"When they assessed Cycling Without Age it's one of the safest activities that their residents could do because it's getting out in the fresh air.
"It's an absolute joy to see the elderly people coming back and having a ride out in Trixie. It's difficult sometimes to get a word in edgeways as people are so excited and chatty!
"It's such a pleasure; you go home with a warm glow after being out with the residents. They enjoy it so much.
"We're looking to increase the care homes that we work with all the time, as we're getting quite a lot of requests in.
"At the moment we're seeking funding to be able to expand to new care homes.
"There are chapters in other cities up and down the country with similar schemes, and they're proving that it's safe and an activity that elderly people can continue to enjoy.
"I'd like to see it spread to lots of other cities and towns as well".
Peter Huxford is one of the volunteer pedallers who help to transport residents: "One time when we got to Rowntree Park we saw a lake and the passenger burst into 'oh I do love to be beside the seaside', and we went through all the old musical songs.
"Sometimes the passengers say they feel like the Queen and do a little wave as they go past people!"
You can find out more about Cycling Without Age and the York Bike Belles team here.
To support the programme go to www.yorkbikebelles.community/donate