A former charge nurse and current resident at Castlemaine Hospital, 82-year-old Margaret is living with dementia, supported by caring staff who respectfully refer to her as Sister.
Margaret’s husband of 61 years, John, has recently started taking her for trishaw rides through the botanic gardens, enjoying the fresh air and meeting new people.
At the outset Margaret is a little apprehensive at the prospect of the ride, but snuggled beside her husband, a helmet firmly on her head and a warm blanket across her knees, she soon begins to relax and enjoy the sights.
Watching children playing, and dogs dragging their owners behind, brightens her spirits.
“She doesn’t remember much lately but she enjoys the ride at the time, which is a very good thing and it’s nice to do something together,” John said.
Their trishaw ‘pilot’, David Tuck, peddling behind, navigating the steep inclines and tight corners, is enjoying the experience almost as much as his passengers.
“If you can provide a lift to someone who is living in compromising circumstances, particularly after the isolation of COVID, it is incredibly rewarding,” David said.
“Plus I just love bikes!”
The concept of Cycling Without Age first began 10 years ago in Denmark, when one man decided to offer trishaw rides to elderly passengers. The idea spread around the world and when David saw a Ted Talk about the concept, he found himself moved to action, first volunteering his time at a care home in Carlton, around the corner from his mother, and more recently setting up the Castlemaine Chapter of Cycling Without Age.
“I’ve got into a bit of a routine for the Carlton rides now,” David said.
“I crush gum leaves so the residents can smell the oil and we ride down by the river and watch all the dogs jump into a deep rock pool, creating quite a show.
“Many of the residents have dementia and often have a sense of apprehension at the start of the ride, but once they settle in, you can see a change at being outdoors, and when we return the staff can see a change in them.”
With help from the Hub Foundation, Castlemaine Cycling Without Age was able to run a feasibility study, purchase a $17,000 battery-powered trishaw, and officially launch the project on April 1 this year, with six dedicated cycling enthusiasts volunteering an hour of their time each week to take residents from the hospital on rides through the botanical gardens.
“The trishaw is very eye-catching (it’s a bit of a Rolls Royce) so it really lends itself to conversation. It makes people smile wherever we go and creates a springboard for discussions with people walking in the park,” David said.
“There are a lot of people walking their dogs and it’s so lovely for the residents to see the animals when they are no longer able to have pets of their own.
“It’s a breath of fresh air in every sense, offering residents a chance to get out into the outdoors and see the flowers and trees and meet new people.”
The Castlemaine Chapter of Cycling Without Age welcomes new volunteers (training is provided) and sponsorship for ongoing expenses, such as insurance, is always welcome. Visit www.hubfoundation.org.au/cycling-without-age-castlemaine for more information.
