Could you lend a hand to older people… and get that feel-good factor as well?
We are on the look-out for volunteers to become ‘pilots’ for our new triobike, which helps older people get out in the fresh air and reconnecting with their community.
We have invested in the trio bike (essentially a settee on wheels) which is a battery operated bike for transporting people! It’s a two-seater taxi bike driven by a ‘pilot’ with soft, bespoke cushions, adapted seat to make it accessible for people with mobility issues and also has a handy storage unit, a retractable hood and waterproof blanket for bad weather.
The triobike is available to hire out to care homes, sheltered accommodation and nursing homes to enable their elderly residents to get out and about in their community, along the many greenways and trails, do their shopping or just go and have a cuppa and a chinwag with friends in the town.
But ‘pilots’ are needed to ride the bike and help transport elderly people to their destinations. The ‘pilots’ can be members of staff from the care/nursing homes or a member of the public who just wants to give something back whilst helping out. Full training and support will be given.
Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, Councillor David Downes said, “Many of our elderly have been isolated for the past 18-months so we want to help get them out, reconnect with friends and society in general and what better way than being ‘chauffeur’ driven to meet friends or explore our fantastic District.
“The bike is battery-assisted and very easy to operate with full training and support given. So I would urge people who may have a bit of time on their hands or are looking to keep active but volunteer to put their name forward as a ‘pilot’.”
Watch the video on Bolsover TV explaining what the triobike is. If you think you could volunteer as a triobike pilot, get in touch with Malcolm Smith, Walking and Cycling Officer on 07971 915049.
