Older people in the Borders will be able to stay active and socialise through an innovative cycling scheme.
The Scottish Government is providing £300,000 to set up the Cycling Without Age (CWA) project across the country, following a successful pilot in Falkirk.
Originating in Denmark, it encourages volunteers to take older people for bike rides, using specially designed ‘trishaws’. It aims to help socially isolated older people meet others and be physically active.
In the first phase of the roll-out in2018-2019, the scheme will be implemented in five more local authority areas, including the Scottish Borders.
Cycling Without Age Scotland Executive Officer Christine Bell said: “We are delighted the Scottish Government is supporting the need in communities across Scotland for this simple yet powerful initiative. In a society with a growing number of older people living in care or alone at home, this project addresses many social and wellbeing concerns.
“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.”
For more information, visit the Cycling Without Age website.