Volunteers needed for the Trishaw
The weather is improving in Fauldhouse, so it’s time to get the Cycle Without Age trishaw out of storage again! It seems to have been a long time coming after the past few uncertain pandemic and lockdown years.
F&BV CDT are now looking for additional volunteers to pilot (cycle) the trishaw. The trishaw is electric so not as hard to cycle as you might expect! Everyone who volunteers will receive full ‘pilot’ training and PVG. Once completed, volunteers will be able to take passengers out on the trishaw to give them the opportunity to have ‘the wind in their hair’ again.
Passengers are generally older adults, those with mobility issues or those who are socially isolated. Rides often take around an hour and trips take the trishaw around one of three routes in Fauldhouse. Both passengers and pilots alike always have an absolute ball!
We are especially looking for volunteers who can offer their time during the week, but all volunteers are very welcome! If you think this might be something you would be interested in, please contact us at info@fauldhouse.org.uk, message us on @FauldhouseCDT or call on 01501 773 699.
CWA Fauldhouse and the Trishaw
F&BV CDT has become a Cycling Without Age Scotland Affiliate (we were the first in West Lothian). Following a successful funding application to West Lothian Council, we purchased a trishaw (a power assisted/electric rickshaw) for use in Fauldhouse and are now running as a community model, providing trishaw rides for local residents within Crofthead Care Home, The Bield residential housing and also elderly or individuals with limited mobility in the community who also might be lonely and isolated.
Volunteers can train as ‘Pilots’ to take out elderly and less able members of the local community who would not usually be able to get out. It adds a whole new dimension to the lives of elderly people and ensures they still feel part of their local community in Fauldhouse.
The video (below) shows the inspirational BBC 3’s ‘Amazing Humans’ from the very early days of the Falkirk project which went viral on social media. More information about the project can be found at Cycling Without Age Scotland.
Below are F&BV CDT Co-ordinators Ann and Lesley having their first experience on a trishaw (‘piloted’ by CWA Scotland’s CEO Christine Bell) at a CWA Scotland taster event in Callendar Park, Falkirk. A ride on a trishaw can make you smile, whatever age you are. Imagine the positive impact if you are elderly, lonely or socially isolated.
Ann and Lesley test driving a trishaw through Callendar Park, Falkirk with
‘Pilot’ Christine at a CWA Scotland event (pre Covid)
See our facebook page @CWAFauldhouse for more photos and clips, updates and information on project development, pilots, training and successful rides.
If you are interested in becoming a Trishaw pilot or if you or someone you know in Fauldhouse would benefit from a Trishaw ride please contact us on: 01501 773 699 or email: info@fauldhouse.org.uk
