‘Chatty cycle’ bid to get the elderly moving
If you’re an older person who wants to get from A-to-b, a fun ride in a rickshaw might be the answer.
‘Chat-e-cycle,’ pronounced ‘chatty cycle’ is a new supported-cycling scheme launching in Somerset this year to help get older people out cycling.
The project is the brainchild of Kate Mattick, an NHS physiotherapist who works with older adults and will base the first pilot at her family farm in Chilcompton.
“The physical exertion is almost a secondary thing,” said Kate. “This is all about experiencing the fresh air, the social connection because you’re sitting next to somebody.”
She has co-designed the scheme with her grandmother Stella who is a charismatic ambassador for the project and who takes a starring role in the publicity video at https://youtu.be/ GUK9F5WAYVI
Kate said: “The older person can cycle as much or as little as they like, or just have some fun. They have the option. Because there’s the electric power function.”
“We’re launching a pilot with a product that already exists.
“We want to work with bike manufacturers to make the perfect vehicle for the future.”
Stella added: “I believe that Chat-ecycle provides a role in not only eco-transport, but for combating social isolation and physical inactivity. It’s about getting out and about.”
Kate said: “I’m so passionate about ensuring that older people are not left out of this growing cycling revolution. The crowdfunder’s gaining momentum and we’re nearly a third of the way towards achieving our target that’ll enable a pilot launch of Chat-e-cycle in Chilcompton, this summer. We need your help in making it a reality!”
She came up with the idea for an accessible cycle that older adults could use while doing a masters at University College London in Disability and Design studies. Kate’s design has already won two awards: n Winner of the 2020 RSA student design awards, sponsored by the National Innovation Centre for Ageing; n Unltd*award winner 2022, the UK foundation for social entrepreneurs.
Supporters can contribute to the project by visiting Kate’s crowdfunding campaign: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ chat-e-cycle.