LAST Thursday the official Cycling Without Age Mansfield launch was held on the median strip on High Street with around 25 community members and volunteers in attendance.

Cycling Without Age is an international not-for-profit charity which provides free rides on tri-shaw e-bikes for the elderly and people with disabilities.

The Mansfield Cycling Without Age committee started fundraising for the first trishaw bike in June this year and there will soon be a second bike.

Ninety-seven-year-old Mansfield resident Marg Adcock was the first person to ride on the red trishaw bike named after her through the ceremonial ribbon with pilot Narelle Rademaker pedaling behind.

The Community Bank Mansfield and District contributed to the funding of the first bike.

Chairman of the board David Mayne said they are excited to offer the Mansfield district community the opportunity to feel the wind in their hair once again thanks to Cycling Without Age Mansfield.

“This inclusive community initiative will offer seniors and people with disabilities the opportunity to reconnect with their community and the environment around them in a way not previously possible,” he said.

“As part of our 2024 Community Impact Program, the Community Bank Mansfield and District was thrilled to fund the purchase of their first Trishaw e-bike."

Committee member Louise Hopwood said on Saturday December 14 they rode around the Botanic Park and regular weekly rides in the future will depend on how many volunteers put their hand up for being a pilot (riding the bike) or a scout (following behind on their own bike).

“We will have three different routes, but the routes must be risk assessed before they take anyone out,” she said.

“At the moment there’s the Botanical Gardens and soon there will be the Rail Trail.

“We will also start going to each different aged care facility in Mansfield.”

Committee member Sophie Naylor said they are reliant on volunteers to keep the program running and would love to hear from anyone who is keen to get involved.

“We provide thorough training and friendly support,” she said.

“Community bookings are available - keep an eye on our Facebook page as dates become available.”