OLDER people will be able to “feel the wind in their hair again” as a cycling scheme is rolled out across Scotland.
The Cycling Without Age (CWA) project encourages volunteers to take older people for bike rides using specially designed “trishaws” which carry two passengers.
The initiative, which originated in Denmark, aims to help socially isolated older people meet others and be physically active. After a successful pilot scheme in Falkirk, the Scottish Government is providing £300,000 to set up the CWA scheme across the country.
Public Health and Sport Minister Aileen Campbell announced the funding during a visit to CWA Scotland at the Kelpies. She said: “Cycling Without Age started with the simple aim of helping older people feel the wind in their hair again. Through the committed action of a few volunteers, the project has made a positive difference to many people’s lives.
“Through this funding, Cycling Without Age will work with communities and partners to roll the project out across Scotland in the areas and settings where it will have the most impact.”
The first phase of the roll-out will take in East Lothian, Falkirk, the Highlands and Islands, Perth and Kinross, and the Borders. Partnerships for further projects will be agreed in eight other areas.
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