The FREE festive trishaw rides return for Christmas to help the elderly and disabled

All Elderly and disabled visitors can have ‘a wonderful Christmas time’ on festive trishaw ride…

The specially adapted trishaw bikes have been funded by Watford Borough Council. Elderly and disabled residents will be able to take a tour around this year’s wonderful festive lights display or the Top 10 park.

Free rides given by volunteers at Watford Cycle Hub will roll out in the town centre from the 12th December, and Cassiobury Park (18 December) this Christmas.

The rickshaw-style device has comfortably seats for two people, To book, visit watfordcyclehub.org.uk/trishaw-rides.

The ‘Cycling Without Age’ initiative helps to increase physical activity and emotional wellbeing with both the passengers and cyclists alike. Local resident Marjorie who took part last year commented: “Cycling Without Age brings the amazing feeling of riding a bicycle to those who are not able to pedal on their own, I loved every minute of the ride.”

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “Everyone can appreciate how isolating old age can become. The time spent with the volunteers on the Trishaw is a wonderful opportunity for participants to enjoy wind in their hair, to connect with others and the chance to share their stories. It is fantastic seeing the joy these sessions bring to everyone involved.”

Kate Jenkins, founder of Watford Cycle Hub, said: “The act of two passengers sharing a trishaw, along with the volunteer pilots, creates new relationships and friendships, which has proven to be one of the most valuable aspects of this project. Elderly people are brought back into community life, stories are shared, and health and wellbeing improves for everyone involved.”

Trishaw rides are an expansion of the very successful ‘Lets Ride’ free led and guided rides for all, which the council currently runs in Watford through partnerships with British Cycling and Watford Cycle Hub. Its aim is to get more people – more active, more often, through cycling – encouraging riding groups and offering cycling courses for adults and children.

If you would like to book a free ride or fancy becoming a volunteer cyclist on the electrical pedal-assisted trishaws, please visit watfordcyclehub.org.uk/trishaw-rides.