Calls for support of ‘Cycling Without Age’
A Louth councillor is calling for the innovative ‘Cycling Without Age’ schemes to be launched in Louth.
Cllr. Maeve Yore is leading the campaign to enable older people with reduced mobility to get outdoors.
The schemes involve three wheeled cargo bicycles with two adult seats at the front and controlled by a ‘pilot’ cyclist who powers the bike.
‘Cycling without Age schemes are successfully running in Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford, Sligo and Donegal. I want to roll it out across Louth,’ said Cllr. Yore.
She explained that volunteer cyclist ‘Pilots’ can sign up/volunteer on a rota basis to give bikes rides to older people to enable them to get out of nursing homes, care facilites and enjoy fresh air and stimulation.
The Louth Councillor has already appealed to a number of local clubs directly, including Cuchullain Cycling Club, who have posted the appeal and details of the scheme on their Facebook page.
‘Louth Age Friendly, Netwell Casala DKIT, ALONE and myself have been working on this project over the last number of months and we are in the process of applying for funding to purchase the bikes..’ said Cllr. Yore. ‘I truly feel this will transform older peoples lives in County Louth, combat loneliness and forge new friendships among older people in our county.’