Cycling without age is here in Martinborough – no excuses now!

Through the kind donations of Tom Bunny and Graeme Thomson and the support of local company Green Jersey Explorer Tours Ltd, Martinborough now has a purpose designed electric assist trishaw to support its “Cycling Without Age” endeavours. Together with John Blundell and Simon Daly they currently constitute the Wharekaka Cycling without Age supporters group.

Cycling Without Age is a movement started in 2012 in Copenhagen, Denmark by Ole Kassow. Ole wanted to help the elderly get back on their bicycles, but he had to find a solution to their limited mobility. The answer was a trishaw and he started offering free bike rides to the local nursing home residents.

Tom Bunny explained that here in Martinborough we have been experimenting with the support of Martinborough Lions and Green Jersey for the past year, using Green Jersey’s standard rickshaws. Whilst Tom agrees that this has been great, he thought we could do better. “So, we decided to import the perfect vehicle and working with Wharekaka we will train a team of volunteer riders and supporters and get the folk there out as much as possible”, said Tom.

The idea is to make the service available to any older folk in town not just the residents of Wharekaka. “Anyone who wants to get out and feel the breeze in their hair is encouraged to contact us or Green Jersey and we will arrange a ride,” said Tom. “And we want the younger people to encourage the older folk in their family and circle of friends to give it a go. There is a bit of competition going on as well, with Greytown purchasing a trishaw a year ago and making regular outings. They have done over a hundred rides so far I am told – we have a bit of catching up to do!”

Gail Jacobson agrees. “I have been out for several rides with Tom Bunny, Joe Howells and others at the helm. It has been great fun and I encourage others to get involved”.

Tom already has a few volunteer riders lined up but they would like more. They and Green Jersey are happy to train up riders and assure everyone that it really is great fun. With the electric assist available and the relative flatness of Martinborough fitness is not a requirement.

If you are able to help please contact Tom Bunny on email tombunny@xtra.co.nz or phone Tom on  06 306 9550. You can also call in at the Green Jersey Shed in Kitchener Street and express your interest.