Bringing cycling to everyone
FOLLOWING on from an international initiative founded in Holland nearly a decade ago, Killarney Cycling Club has gotten on board with a campaign to help the town’s more vulnerable people enjoy the experience of being out a bike, while allowing them better access to Killarney’s many delights.
‘Cycling Without Age’ is coming to town. The scheme sees a ‘pilot’ cyclist operate a ‘ trishaw’, which is three-wheeled, electric-assisted, and capable of carrying two passengers.
“We always considered ourselves to be a very inclusive club, and Cycling Without
Age is an extension of this belief,” said club chairman Mark Murphy. “Our membership ranges from Rás Tailteann riders to easygoing leisure cyclists, and from under-10s to over-70s.
“We also have a mentoring programme which helps adults get back into cycling and gives them the confidence and skills to ride with club groups.
“Cycling Without Age is a natural extension of this ethos: as we get older and lose our ability to manage on two wheels, it is great that we have a means of still feeling the wind in our hair.
“With a large proportion of older people in the town, and the National Park at our doorstep, the scheme seemed ideal for
Killarney”
The project has the backing of Kerry County Council, the HSE, and Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce.
It will initially operate from St Columbanus Community Hospital, with room to develop this going forward for other nursing homes.
This could be made possible as more volunteer pilots come forward and receive training.
Mark acknowledged the sterling work of those who’ve spearheaded the project, and said that three of those people – Ann Sheehan, Tom Daly, and Declan O’Callaghan – would be passing on this training to volunteers going forward.