Our Stockton on Tees chapter of Cycling Without Age provides unique trishaw rides and "wind in your hair" experiences to older and disabled people living in Stockton on Tees.
Our Five Guiding Principles
Generosity
Cycling Without Age is based on generosity and kindness. It starts with the obvious generous act of taking one or two older or less-abled people out on a bike ride. It’s a simple act that everyone can do.
Slowness
Slowness allows you to sense the environment, be present in the moment and it allows people you meet along the way to be curious and gain knowledge about Cycling Without Age because you make time to stop and talk.
Storytelling
Older people have so many stories that will be forgotten if we don’t reach out and listen to them. We tell stories, we listen to stories on the bike and we also document the stories when we share them via word of mouth or on social media.
Relationships
Cycling Without Age is about creating a multitude of new relationships: between generations, among older people, between pilots and passengers, nursing homes employees and family members. Relationships build trust, happiness and quality of life.
Without Age
Life unfolds at all ages, young and old, and can be thrilling, fun, sad, beautiful and meaningful. Cycling Without Age is about letting people age in a positive context – fully aware of the opportunities that lie ahead when interacting in their local community.
What people say: Read about the experiences of pilots and passengers alike
PILOT: Although initially wobbly with the steering and feel of the trishaw, I soon got the hang of it and could see exactly why the pilots had such big grins on their faces. I had a good chat and a laugh with the passengers and saw first hand how the Cycling Without Age scheme can bring happiness, laughter and enrich the lives of both pilots and passengers.
PASSENGER: Today I tried riding in a trishaw as a passenger to support Cycling Without Age. I shared the trishaw with Rory. I thought it was awesome. We went around Billingham Park – it was brilliant! I am 24 years old and have cerebral palsy and walk with sticks, so going out on the trishaw was a brilliant experience and would recommend it to anyone.
“Hurry up slowly, turn softly”