Cycling Without Age – Kawatiri
Shared JourneysConnection and Access to the Outdoors
Cycling Without Age – Kawatiri is a community-led initiative helping people with limited mobility to experience the outdoors by riding in a custom-designed ‘trishaw’ bike. The rides are a shared journey with up to two passengers at a time on the bike operated by trained volunteer riders, known as pilots.
Inspired by the international Cycling Without Age movement, the project began after local community members recognised how well the concept could work in Buller Kawatiri, with its quiet streets, strong community spirit and spectacular natural surroundings.
The initiative brings together volunteer pilots and passengers to share time outdoors, build social connection and help more people experience the beauty of the region regardless of age or mobility.
KNECT provides the governance and coordination framework for the local chapter, including volunteer recruitment and training, route planning, safety assessments and community partnerships to support long-term operation of the programme.
Funding support from the Buller Resilience Trust and West Coast Community Trust enabled the purchase of the first trishaw bike, with additional support from organisations including O’Conor Home and the Buller Cycling Club.
The project demonstrates how community-led initiatives can strengthen wellbeing, reduce social isolation and create meaningful connections across Buller Kawatiri.
Project supporter and KNECT Trustee Glenn Irving says:
“Cycling Without Age as a concept caught my eye and I realised this was something that could work incredibly well in Westport. Securing support from the Buller Resilience Trust has enabled us to move quickly from idea to action and we’re excited to start bringing smiles and shared experiences to people across our community.”
Questions and Answers
Cycling Without Age is an international movement that enables people with limited mobility to experience the outdoors through rides on specially designed trishaw bikes operated by volunteer pilots
The project helps reduce social isolation and creates opportunities for older people and those with limited mobility. It gives people opportunities to get to places they can’t usually get to and reconnect with nature, have conversations along the way, build friendships and community participation in a safe and supported way.
KNECT provides the governance and coordination framework for the local chapter, including volunteer pilot recruitment and training, route planning, safety assessments and community partnerships.
Funding support has been provided by the Buller Resilience Trust and West Coast Community Trust. O’Conor Home is supporting passenger participation and providing a home base for the bike, while the Buller Cycling Club is assisting with bike maintenance.
Funding has been secured and the first trishaw bike purchased. Planning is now underway for volunteer pilot training, route assessments and wider community engagement ahead of the programme launch.
Community members will be able to get involved as volunteer pilots, supporters, partner organisations or passengers once the programme launches locally.
You can read more about the wider international movement at: https://cyclingwithoutage.org/
