Tuesday September 2nd 2025
Cycling Without Age Scotland
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Funding of £5,000 is being sought this week to offer a ticket to ride for older folk in Melrose.
Cycling Without Age Scotland (CWAS) works nationwide, providing rides in pioneering e-bike Trishaws that improve the mental and physical well-being of people of all ages, but predominantly the elderly.
Through this unique befriending experience, care home residents, those living alone and members of the local community can be brought together. Those who volunteer as riders also benefit.
The charity is now supporting a group in Melrose which is keen to start a CWAS project to raise funds for their first trishaw.
Once they recruit and train pilots to ride the trishaw they will be able to offer rides free of charge in the community.
A contribution of £5k towards the overall costs of £10,800 will be considered when members of Scottish Borders Council’s William Hill Trust Sub-Committee meets on Thursday, September 4.
A report to the committee states: “With connections with two care homes, an assisted living facility and one residential unit for adults with learning support needs in and near Melrose, the group are confident the service will be well used locally.
“The rides will help local people feel less isolated and will enable community events to become more accessible.
“The rides provide an opportunity for people with limited mobility to enjoy the outdoors and connect with their surroundings.
“The benefits of the trishaw extend to mental health and well-being for both volunteers and passengers.”
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