A community of residents at our Queens Care Home in Ayrshire have been enjoying freedom, fresh air and “the wind in their hair” with rickshaw rides provided by non-profit Cycling Without Age Prestwick.
Working with volunteer ‘pilots’ in the community, the scheme enables our care residents to enjoy regular cycle rides on the Prestwick promenade. While the pilot pedals the speciality three-wheeled bike – with the driver situated behind the passenger seats – the residents can relax while taking in the fresh sea air and coastal views across to the Isle of Arran.
Jacqueline Gordon, our Home Manager, said: “We are constantly looking for special activities to engage our residents, making sure they feel happy and fulfilled, and it’s fair to say that the trishaw scheme has gone down a storm!
“The rickshaw rides offer residents the opportunity to meet new people and spend time outdoors, by the beach, which as we know is so important for our mental and physical wellbeing. They are also proving to be a wonderful reminiscence activity for our residents who live with dementia. We are really grateful to the kind-hearted cyclists who give their time to brighten our residents’ days.”
Cycling without Age Prestwick is part of a global movement started in 2012 in Copenhagen to help to get people of all ages with limited mobility back on their bikes. The scheme relies on independent fundraising and local volunteers.
One of our residents taking part in the scheme is Les Medina, who recently enjoyed a ride along the promenade, triggering wonderful memories and getting out in the sunshine.
Les said of his trip: “It was a wonderful, special day and I am really looking forward to going back out again.”
