A new initiative aimed at helping to reduce social isolation has been launched in Lakes Entrance, with local residents enjoying a free ride along the Esplanade in purpose-built trishaws.
Cycling Without Age Gippsland is a charitable group chaired by local MP Darren Chester, with chapters across Australia.
“Taking inspiration from a worldwide movement, a group of locals has formed the new Cycling Without Age Gippsland chapter, and I have been elected as the inaugural chair with responsibility for getting the concept up and running,” Mr Chester said.
“We have successfully raised enough funds for two trishaws and a trailer, which will allow us to move the trishaws between Lakes Entrance, Bairnsdale and Sale to begin with and provide an experience for locals.
“It’s a not-for-profit charity that provides a community service by connecting those no longer able to ride for themselves with their community and the outdoors by giving them free rides on trishaw e-bikes, piloted by volunteer cyclists.”
Mr Chester said the project was off to a positive start, with several passengers in Lakes Entrance enjoying the experience.
“The feedback was very positive, and we enjoyed a perfect morning riding along the esplanade, which is well-suited to using the trishaws,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to planning more days as we train our volunteers and invite more riders to enjoy the experience.
“We know that bringing people together as volunteer pilots and passengers will help to improve mobility, reduce loneliness and make our communities even stronger.
“None of this would have been possible without the support of our sponsors, whose names are on our trailer and trishaws. Huge thanks to our main sponsors, Gippsland Community Foundation, the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, Gippsland Lakes Complete Health, Dyers Transport, McDonald’s Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale, Gippsland Dawn and The Nationals in Gippsland.”
