‘Get the wind in your hair’ for your mental wellbeing, Albany Cycling Without Age co-ordinator says

Getting out in nature and the community is essential for mental wellbeing no matter your age or ability level, Albany Cycling Without Age volunteer co-ordinator Sandie Smith says.

Members of the Albany community who frequent the Emu Point bike path may have spotted the Cycling Without Age trishaws — e-bikes with wooden seats attached to the front — providing Albany’s elderly and disabled residents with a way to get out for a bike ride.

Ms Smith said the simple concept of “getting the wind in your hair” can be a way to promote both mental and physical wellbeing for everyone in the community.

This week is Seniors Week in WA, and Ms Smith said the ability to get out and about for a cycle should extend to those who are unable to walk Albany’s ocean-side paths or pedal their own bikes.

“The idea is that we give people in our community, whether they are elderly or differently-abled, the opportunity to get out in the fresh air and go for a bike ride,” she said.

“Getting out in nature and out in the community, having a chat with people, is great for both mental and physical well being no matter how old or young you are.

“Our elderly passengers, some of whom are past 90, will often reminisce about the places we go on the bike from earlier in their lives.

“When we ride down near Emu Point, they will recall going fishing out in the harbour or going swimming when they were younger, and you can see how their eyes light up with those memories.

“When we’re out on the bike path everyone gives us a smile and a wave, and will often stop and chat to us along the way.

“It’s also important, I think, for the wider community to see our elderly residents out and enjoying themselves, that perception is essential.

“Sometimes all that’s needed to feel good is to get out of your regular environment or regular routine, and we’re making that accessible to everyone in the community we can.”

Ms Smith said the service was also popular with disability support workers and their clients, particularly wheelchair users.

“We get a lot of support workers who bring their clients on a ride, and a lot of them are our best repeat customers because they enjoy it so much,” she said.

“Something we’ve found is that this can be a way for wheelchair users and their friends, support workers and families to have a chance to do an activity and have a conversation at the same level.

“It’s just two people sat in the trishaw side by side, so it’s a change of perspective for wheelchair users who are used to being the only one in the chair.”

Cycling Without Age was founded in Copenhagen in 2012, and now has more than 2500 chapters all over the world.

The Albany team provide trishaw rides on request for members of the community and have joined in on 100th birthday celebrations, the Albany Christmas Pageant, and Ride to School Day.