The idea
Participants will be over 60, have an issue with mobility, be socially isolated, or be visually impaired
People will book a trip by phone. A rider will pick them up, riding a side by side cycle and take them on a trip of their choice for an hour and half. They can choose to go shopping, visit a friend, visit a local amenity such as local park, or just explore their areas and get some exercise. They will get help at their destination, such as help with carrying shopping or getting on and off the cycle.
Participants can choose to pedal or just enjoy the ride in fresh air.
The riders will be trained in cycling and cycle mechanics, managing risk, working with older people and have an up to date DBS check. They will be sociable and friendly.
What we'll deliver
- 4 people will be taken on a trip daily
- They will enjoy exercise
- They will have an opportunity to chat reducing lonliness
- Each trip may replace a trip by motorised transport reducing pollution
Why it's a great idea
The project will help people least likely to get their recommended amount of exercise bringing them health benefits. It will enable them to get out in the fresh air and explore their local area. They too will be visible to others giving the locale a more balanced representation of its residents.
Ride Side-by-Side will tackle loneliness and isolation. People will have an opportunity to chat with their co-rider (Pilot), interact, tell stories about themselves and reminisce.
Ride Side-by-Side will help people with things they need to do like shopping, visit friends and family, explore the borough.or get to an appointment
It will have a broader impact with regards reducing motorised trips and showcase other ways to get around that are emissions free.
By giving people the opportunity to be active, reduce their reliance on the NHS since it will improve their well-being due to the exercise and the conviviality.
Steps to get it done
- Produce and distribute project publicity materials
- Engage local social housing estates and organisations
- Run 4 'roadshows' at key locations in the borough ahead of the launch
- Take 4-8 people out on cycle trips of their choice every week
- Collect quantative qualitative data
- Collect materials for case studies and project video
- Publish project report
- begin delivery in 2 additional locations
The project cycles are power assisted to enable riders to travel further and ride for longer in any road environment.
The funding will be used to purchase a small fleet of these cycles for the project, to train and pay the 'pilot' and for development work linking to local social housing estates, care homes, dementia groups, older people's networks and groups for the visually impaired
