MSP Joan McAlpine has encouraged people in Dumfries and Galloway to help make a local Cycling Without Age group a reality.
The MSP met the group’s Executive officer Christine Bell in the Scottish Parliament and signed a pledge to help support the roll out of the scheme in D & G.
“It was lovely to meet Christine Bell and Alastair Smith who are in Parliament this week encouraging MSPs to help support the extension of the programme in their own constituencies.
“Cycling Without Age organisers were given Scottish Government funding to bring together and train volunteers to ‘pilot’ trishaws in a bid to help older people get out and about in the fresh air. They are always looking for people who want to pilot as well as organisations such as care homes, doctors surgeries, or community centres to get involved in starting a scheme locally. Apparently there is a real appetite for a group in Dumfries and Galloway, but a local organisation or group would need to come forward and help facilitate the establishment of a project on the ground.
“As well as fresh air and exercise, the programme helps tackle isolation as pilots and passengers form strong bonds with each other and look forward to their regular outings together. There are 11 trishaws in operation across Scotland and CWA expect the number to sky rocket to 100 by the end of the year! If anyone is interested in becoming involved in this fantastic scheme, please contact Christine Bell on [email protected]”
