The newest chapter of a popular service letting people ‘experience the wind in their hair’ regardless of their mobility has completed its maiden voyage.

Cycling Without Age (CWA) is a charity where volunteers provide free trishaw rides to people of all ages around the local community believing ‘everyone should have the right to experience the wind in their hair’ and it has now opened a new chapter in Dorchester.

CWA Weymouth, which oversees the local groups, was set up in 2019 and since then chapters have been established in Bridport, Portland and now in Dorchester.

Dorset Echo:

Last week saw Dorchester’s official rides begin after successfully raising over £16,000 from national and local grants. This means that the Dorchester chapter can provide two trishaws for the area.

READ MORE: Cycling Without Age Weymouth saved from closure by community

Des Lochrie, chairman of Cycling Without Age Weymouth, said: "Opening a new branch in Dorchester is great. The success we have had in Portland and Weymouth has been fantastic, the pleasure the passengers get has been fantastic, and now people in Dorchester get to enjoy it too.

"Everyone who comes back from a ride has a smile on their face guaranteed."

One pleased rider named Ann, 85, said: “I enjoyed my ride, and it meant I could see parts of the area I live in that I haven’t been able to access on short walks before – it really brightened my day and lifted my spirits.”

Trishaw rides are intended to be an enjoyable experience and last for approximately one hour.

They are well equipped for colder weather with weatherproof blankets allowing them to offer rides all year round.

The trishaws are battery assisted and can seat two passengers. Passengers must be able to get on and off the trishaws independently or if assistance is needed, they should bring along a friend/relative or carer to assist them.

To enquire about booking a ride or to join the small team of friendly volunteer riders, email Cheryl at cwadorchester@gmail.com

Alternatively, call 07795 057278.

For volunteers, no minimum time commitment or fitness levels are required.

None of this would have been possible without the support of; The National Lottery Community Fund, Hall and Woodhouse Community Chest, Poundbury Community Trust, Dorchester Town Council, Risk Stop, Dorchester Lions, Rotary, and donations from local people from Dorchester.