What Do We Do?
- We provide free recreational rides on trishaws, we are not a taxi service.
- We have three electric trishaws: Triobikes named NOLA and MAGGIE and our wheelchair-carrying tricycle JOY.
- All are piloted by trained volunteers.
- Pilots are motivated by their commitment to their community.
Being able to get outside is something that many of us take for granted, whether it’s part of our daily commute, to do a bit of physical activity, or simply to enjoy the fresh air.
The lack of independence and mobility stops others from getting outside and this is where CWA Napier can be the circuit breaker.
How Does It Work?
- Volunteers are trained to be trishaw pilots.
- A Pilot with the trishaw picks you up from your home, rest home or retirement village such as NCC villages, Mission View etc, in the areas currently served.
- Current locations serviced are Taradale, Greenmeadows, Marewa
- The triobike trishaw can take two passengers, so each passenger may bring a family member, carer or friend to enjoy the ride with them.
- We welcome the opportunity of having family members joining alongside the triobike on their own bike.
- Typically a ride is 30-45 minutes, depending on the wishes of our passenger and the pilot’s available time.
- The ride is a specified route adjacent to the passenger’s home or rest home. This route is assessed against Health and Safety criteria and a copy of the route will be discussed with the passenger(s) prior to the ride.
Why Do We Provide Trishaw Rides?
- To reduce loneliness and isolation.
- To improve mental health and physical health.
- To reconnect our seniors with their community and to build better lives.
Loneliness and community isolation are significant issues in our elderly community today, heightened by the COVID pandemic and Cyclone Gabrielle. The lack of independence, mobility, and cognitive impairment can compound towards lower mental well-being of care home residents, the elderly, and those living alone with reduced mobility.
The most powerful testimony of our service is in the words of our passengers:
“It is just so nice to be IN the neighbourhood, looking at everything up close.”
When asked how the rides made him feel, he answered “Free!”.
When Are the Rides Available?
- Weekdays for residents in Rest Homes or independent residents.
- Rides are pre-arranged and provided at a day & time of our passengers’ choosing, depending on availability of pilots & trishaws
- These rides are usually on the same day and time each week or fortnight and are often with the same pilot.
- We plan to start Saturday rides in Anderson Park or on Marine Parade. These rides are available for Agency group bookings.
- Some Saturdays will also be available for families, enabling their elders to enjoy trishaw rides at these locations.
The Impact of Cycling Without Age Napier Trust
Small acts can have a big impact: What started as a simple idea in Copenhagen, Denmark, has blossomed into a global phenomenon. It’s a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness and generosity can ripple outwards, creating waves of positive change. We at CWA Napier Trust do not underestimate the power of our actions, every act of kindness counts. At its core, Cycling Without Age Napier Trust is about serving others. By prioritising the well-being and happiness of those less able to be physically in the community, we can inspire others to join us in making the world a better place, one ride at a time. Together, we continue the legacy of ‘Cycling Without Age’ and create a world where everyone, regardless of age or circumstance, feels valued, connected, and empowered.
Liz Barrett and Alan White—Trustees
