A NEW volunteer-led initiative aimed at tackling social isolation among older residents and people with disability is gaining momentum, with plans underway to establish a Cycling Without Age chapter in the Redlands.<\/p>\n
Local resident Steve Bayliss is leading the push to bring the international not-for-profit program to the city.<\/p>\n
Cycling Without Age is run entirely by volunteers and provides free short bicycle rides for elderly and disabled passengers on specially designed trishaw bikes, using foreshores and dedicated bike paths.<\/p>\n
The proposal has already attracted strong community interest, with Mr Bayliss saying a recent post on a local Facebook community page received an \u201camazing response\u201d.<\/p>\n
The group expects to become an approved Cycling Without Age member chapter by mid-January.<\/p>\n
Once approved, it will be able to fundraise and apply for grants to purchase trishaw bikes and formally launch the service.<\/p>\n
A first meet-and-greet for prospective volunteers will be held on January 9 at 10am at Raby Bay Harbour Park.<\/p>\n
Cycling Without Age Gold Coast representatives will attend and bring both a passenger trishaw and a wheelchair trishaw for people to see and experience.<\/p>\n
Redland City Councillor Peter Mitchell has welcomed the initiative and said he was meeting with Mr Bayliss to discuss how the project could progress.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m having a coffee with Steve (Bayliss) to understand where he\u2019s at and how my experience and contacts might smooth the way a bit,\u201d Cr Mitchell said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe group in Redlands are not yet set up but Steve sounds pretty organised and keen to drive it forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s got good online traction, so I hope that translates to volunteers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cr Mitchell said he had previously researched the Cycling Without Age model and was supportive of the concept.<\/p>\n
He noted that while funding for the trishaw bikes was achievable, sustaining the volunteer base would be key.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe bikes aren\u2019t cheap, but they will probably be the easy bit to get funded,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cLeaders and volunteer manpower is harder but good luck to them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Bayliss said the initiative aimed to promote inclusiveness while offering a meaningful way for volunteers to support vulnerable members of the community.<\/p>\n