The vision
Cycling Without Age was first started in Denmark in 2012, with the aim of combatting social isolation and loneliness within the older population of Copenhagen. Since 2012 Cycling Without Age has spread into 2,700 locations, covering towns and cities across 52 countries, and now includes our very own seaside city, Portsmouth.
Our goal is to reduce social isolation and loneliness in Portsmouth and Hayling Island, by giving our residents living in isolation or suffering with loneliness, an outlet to securely enjoy the outside spaces of Portsmouth and Southsea and begin their reintroduction to everyday life.
Our fully trained and DBS-checked volunteers pilot our electric Triobike trikes, taking participants around Portsmouth or Hayling Island to re-experience the sights and sounds of their local communities. They are all insured.
Isolation and loneliness can be caused by a whole range of root issues. Whether affected by a health condition, bereavement, family issues, or even returning from Covid restrictions, we have a team of over 60 volunteers who provide safe, stimulating rides, free of charge, seven days a week, with the capacity for 250 rides a month!
Our volunteer Pilots come from a variety of backgrounds, which allows us to ‘buddy up’ participants with a Pilot who shares common interests. This allows lasting relationships to form, and the sharing of intergenerational stories which may have otherwise been long forgotten.
All Pilots are current, competent cyclists with a strong awareness of road safety and legislation. They all offer a kind ear, good conversation, and have undertaken lengthy training to be able to react quickly and safely to any situation that may arise whilst out on the trike.
Community
We are building strong community ties by partnering with, and supporting, various local charities who share our goals and ethos. By supporting local groups, we are better able to access a greater proportion of the isolated residents of our city, and can assist them within familiar surroundings on their journey back into societal life.
If you are a local business and want to uplift your community, we are looking for community sponsorship. If you are considering sponsoring us, please contact us at cyclingwithoutage@theyoutrust.org.uk to discuss any sponsorship opportunities or to donate to the project, as this allows us to continue to offer our service free of charge to local residents in need of our support.
Cycling Without Age leaflet
Contact us
If you, or someone you know would benefit from joining us, and is a Portsmouth resident within the PO1-PO6 catchment area, you can apply to Cycling Without Age by downloading our self-referral form and returning it to cyclingwithoutage@theyoutrust.org.uk.
Alternatively, if you are a patient at the following Primary Care Networks then you can access the service by speaking with their reception team or Link Workers. You do not need to see your doctor to get a referral.
- Brunel Primary Care Network (Uni-City Medical Centre, The lighthouse Group Practice and East Shore Partnership)
- Southcoast Primary Care Network (Trafalgar Medical Group, and Craneswater Group Practice)
- Hayling Island and Emsworth Primary Care Network (The Elms Practice, Waterside Medical Practice and Emsworth Medical Practice)
