Want to ride with us?
Cycling Without Age Hunter provides elderly people with an opportunity to avoid social isolation and remain active in their community by taking them out on bike rides in specially built trishaw bikes piloted by volunteers. The bike rides are free of charge.
There is a maximum of two people per trishaw. Passengers must be able to get themselves in and out of the trishaw and sit up unassisted. Any passengers that require more assistance must be accompanied by a partner, family member or support person, carer or someone who can assist and look after their needs during the ride. Pilots are not trained to assist with lifting and will only lend a hand for support.
All passengers will receive a pre-ride briefing and complete some paperwork before heading off.
What will we do on the ride?
Talk. Laugh. See beautiful places. Stop at cafes. Meet new people. Be connected. Feel the wind in your hair and sun on your face.
Your pilot will take you on a gentle ride that takes in the best the Hunter has to offer. Our routes are designed to give passengers a great experience that follows the key Cycling Without Age principles of slowness, relationships and storytelling. There is no rush and safety, connection and enjoyment are our top priorities.
Is it safe and comfortable?
Safety for passengers, pilots and the community is our top priority.
The purpose-built trishaws we use are made in the Netherlands and are a stable, proven platform used by Cycling Without Age chapters all over the world. They are comfortable with wide seats that are easy to access, have spring suspension for a smooth ride and weatherproof covers and blankets to keep the wind and sun at bay.
All our trishaws undergo a pre-ride safety check, are inspected regularly and are serviced by qualified mechanics.
Pilots undergo training by experienced operators on how to safely ride the trishaws and keep passengers safe. This includes what to do if the weather conditions change or in the remote chance of an emergency.
The routes have been chosen specifically to maximise the safety of passengers, pilots and the community.
Slowness is one of our principles, so the maximum speed is 10 kilometers an hour and plenty of time is taken to complete the ride (no rushing).
Where will we go? How long will it take?
At the moment we offer rides in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie local government areas with more rides coming as the program rolls out. Our rides start and finish at the same place, there is no ‘car shuffle’ or pick up involved - we like to keep it simple!
Rides will last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the route and if you stop for coffee and something delicious to eat (which we thoroughly encourage). Rides times can be flexible depending on availability of pilots.
As with any outdoor activity, we will only ride if there is no possibility of rain or serious wind, especially on coast or lake routes. We will ride on fine winter days but you will need to be prepared for the cold. Blankets and a wind cover are provided as part of service.
How do I book a ride? What do I need to bring?
Fill out the contact form and include your preferred date and time and for how many passengers. Once we have received your request we will be in contact and provide further details e.g. start point, time we would like you to arrive for a pre ride briefing etc.
Please remember that passengers who are unable to get on / off the trishaw by themself must be accompanied by a carer or support person. If you have any special needs, please let us know in advance.
If you’d like to book a group ride (that is more than one trishaw) talk to us well in advance of when you would like to ride and we will do our best to organise it.
Bring everything you need for the excursion (food and drink, medications, money, extra clothes, hat, sunblock etc.) and dress for the weather.
Book a ride with us - we’d love to hear from you!