ELDERLY people have been treated to a trishaw bike ride along Weymouth seafront in a bid to boost their mental wellbeing.

The residents – who live at an independent housing scheme run by local housing association, Aster Group – were taken out by volunteers from Cycling Without Age.

The charity is set up to increase people’s wellbeing by giving them a chance to go for a bike ride.

Mobility issues might traditionally stop them from going out on bicycles, but the team use special three-wheeled trishaw bikes to make each ride possible.

Dot, who is 95 and lives in Westhaven House, enjoyed one of the trishaw rides.

She said: “It really cheered me up. We have already decided that we will book again when the weather gets a bit better, I am really looking forward to it.”

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Three groups of four people living at Westhaven House on Radipole Lane, Weymouth, were taken out by the volunteers, with more trips planned for the spring.

Tony Helm, head of Independent Living at Aster, said: “We’re so pleased that our customers have enjoyed these experiences, made possible by Cycling Without Age.

“One customer had previously been a keen cyclist herself and was thrilled to be able to get out and about once again.

“We want customers to enjoy living in the community at Westhaven House, while being able to take part in activities like this one. It’s great for their wellbeing, especially given the pandemic and the isolation it has caused many elderly people.”

Dorset Echo: Des Lochie, from Cycling Without Age is joined by customers from Westhaven Independent Living Scheme. Picture: Aster Group Des Lochie, from Cycling Without Age is joined by customers from Westhaven Independent Living Scheme. Picture: Aster Group

The Weymouth volunteers recently celebrated completing their 1000th passenger ride.

Des Lochie, who has been a volunteer at the Weymouth branch of Cycling Without Age since it launched in 2019, said: “With the help of a great team of volunteers we have built connections with local care homes and support groups in the community.

“We are indebted to all the kind individuals and organisations, and to many passengers and passer-by’s who have made personal donations. We are humbled by the generosity of the local community.”