Cycling Without Age Gold Coast addresses social isolation and loneliness which have dire consequences for our elderly and people with disability. Using adaptive bicycles designed to carry two passengers, and state-of-the-art bikes (trishaws) which carry wheelchairs, volunteers provide free rides to society’s most vulnerable and often forgotten citizens. Rides are structured to reconnect participants with ...
Cycling Without Age Australia Inc - Gold Coast Chapter
The Cycle of Connection: Addressing social isolation
GOAL
$15,000
Australia > QLD > Metro
10/01/2024 > 10/01/2035
Target Population
- Seniors (65+)
- People with a disability, illness or disease
Cycling Without Age Australia Inc - Gold Coast Chapter
We build bridges of connection to address social isolation and loneliness in our elderly and people with disability.
With guiding principles of Generosity, Slowness, Relationships, Storytelling and Dignity, caring and accredited volunteers provide free rides on adaptive bicycles in locations selected for safety and which provide stimulation through interaction with community members and the natural environment.
Furthering the scope of diversity and inclusion, our fleet of 11 adaptive bicycles includes three state-of-the-art bikes which carry wheelchairs.
Our mission is enshrined in simplicity, "More Rides for More People More Often."
Cycling Without Age Gold Coast is a true grassroots organisation run entirely by volunteers and our aim is to smash barriers of age, disability and finances to provide services to all community members from young babies to 110 years (Pauline Angleman, California).
Enormous mental health and wellbeing benefits are experienced by guests and volunteers alike.
We delight in the bonds formed and intergenerational relationships with our volunteers aged from 14 to 80 years.
No other organisation offers such comprehensive services to a such a broad and diverse cross section of the community with zero cost to participants, achieving remarkable success.
Project Summary
Cycling Without Age Gold Coast addresses social isolation and loneliness which have dire consequences for our elderly and people with disability. Using adaptive bicycles designed to carry two passengers, and state-of-the-art bikes (trishaws) which carry wheelchairs, volunteers provide free rides to society’s most vulnerable and often forgotten citizens.
Rides are structured to reconnect participants with their community and the environment, whilst enjoying fresh air, sunshine and the thrill and freedom of cycling in comfort and safety.
Unique in its simplicity, the initiative has profound effects in the areas of mental health and wellbeing improvements, with trishaws breaking down barriers, stimulating curisoty, conversation and banter.
As a grassroots organisation, run entirely by volunteers, Cycling Without Age has achieved an enormous community impact and high accolades, being awarded the prestigious Queensland Community Volunteer Impact Award in 2023.
Each month over 700 people enjoy a ride at two locations on the Gold Coast and demand continues to grow rapidly.
Our mission is to provide “More Rides to More People More Often” and this funding will be utilised to purchase an additional trishaw to compliment our fleet providing free rides, fulfilling an enormous need within our community.
Project Outcomes
The metrics used by Cycling Without Age Gold Coast to gauge the level of achievement includes the number of ride bookings, kilometres travelled by trishaws, returning participants, Google Reviews, social media following and comments, public engagement, award nominations and successful funding applications.
Whilst these give an indication of how well we are performing from a business perspective, they don't reflect the stories behind the people and the impact our initiative has upon their lives.
We know we've achieved our aims when our regular guest EJ shares that after her first five rides, she went home and cried. When asked why she said "Because you made me feel normal again."
Gemma uses a wheelchair due to her profound disability. Her caregivers report that she suffers multiple panic attacks daily BUT she either doesn't have them on her scheduled ride days, or they are less severe and short-lived. Gemma also benefits from significant improvements in her mood, appetite and sleep patterns.
Tom had just celebrated his 104th birthday and enjoyed a ride with us. His caregivers said he hadn't left the aged care facility for over five years and Tom said it was more than 80 years since he'd enjoyed a bike ride.
We try to make a difference, add value and reinforce that someone cares enough to help others enjoy a mainstream activity.
We know we've achieved it by the sincere thanks, smiles and the regular hugs we receive from guests who are overwhelmed by the fact that someone still cares about their wellbeing.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $25,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Donation from Runaway Bay Rotary Club (confirmed) | $10,000 |
| Funding gap (unconfirmed) | $15,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Triobike Taxi | $22,500 |
| Basket, two-way radio, water bottle cage and holder, mirror, trishaw fitted blanket | $2,500 |
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