‘At nearly 80, I’m back in the saddle’

Editor Lin Webb, 77, lives in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire.

People use the expression ‘it’s like riding a bike’ to explain when something is easy. But for me, the idea of bike riding was a real challenge. I used to ride a little as a child – borrowing my dad’s bike as I grew – but when I left home aged 17, I didn’t pick up a bike again.

It was only when I moved to Hebden Bridge in December 2020, when I was 73, that I began to explore the possibility of pedalling again. I’d moved to be close to my daughter, Hetha, now 58, and her family, who only live half a mile along the road. I hoped to pop over regularly but, sadly, my arthritic knees had other ideas. I couldn’t walk well on the uneven pavements.

A friend who rides told me her arthritis isn’t painful when she’s on her bike. But I couldn’t imagine taking to two wheels at my age. However, it occurred to me that I could try a tricycle.

I had no idea where to start, but fortuitously discovered a charity called Empowered People in Todmorden, a nearby town. They advise people with disabilities or struggles on the right bike or tricycle and help them on their way.

Through them I purchased Viktor in August 2023. He’s a power-assisted tricycle, which kicks in to support when needed. Empowered People also helped to get me going – taking me to the park to practise going up and down hills, and supported me in finding the right helmet and safety gear – even advising about shoes.

Riding the trike is like nothing else – I’ve had arthritis for many years and walk with a stick.

The feeling of moving about quickly without too much effort and zooming about in the park is just wonderful – liberating and exhilarating at once.

I may have had almost 60 years out of the saddle, but it goes to show that with the right adaptations it’s possible to get moving again – even in your eighth decade!

‘Zooming about in the park is wonderful’