AN international movement known as ‘Cycling Without Age’ has been introduced to West Central Fife and bikes are going to be based at Lochore Meadows Country Park. .

A group of 11 volunteers, known as ‘pilots’, have been trained by Fife Council and are offering the free bike rides to older adults, or individuals who may not be able to access cycling, so that they can enjoy Park runs at Dunfermline's glen from a bespoke ‘trishaw’ bike.

Two trishaws have been purchased by the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust and a £90k refurbishment of the Park’s aviary buildings has also been funded by Fife Council to house the bikes and offer additional storage, meeting rooms and toilet facilities.

And volunteers are being wanted to help progress the Lochore Meadows project.

Ian Wilson, chair of Carnegie Dunfermline Trust commented: “The Trustees had no hesitation in providing funding for these unique Cycling Without Age trishaws to allow the elderly and those with mobility issues enjoy the many delights of Pittencrieff Park, with the wind in their hair. The Trust has a strategic focus on poverty, health and well-being and loneliness and we hope that the interaction between the passengers and pilots will help combat social isolation.”

Cllr Judy Hamilton, convener of Fife Council’s Community and Housing Services Committee, was keen to point out that this project could be rolled out in other parts of Fife too. She added: “Developing and supporting this network of volunteers has the potential to lead to new inter-generational relationships. I hope it will help older adults or people with mobility issues to remain an active part of their local community and improve their wellbeing.

“These are values which chime with our aim of making a fairer Fife and I’m pleased that the Council’s Health Improvement Fund has also secured two bikes for the Lochgelly and Cowdenbeath area. These bikes will be based at Lochore Meadows Country Park.”

The trishaws are comfortable, accessible and come with a hood and cost blanket. Participants sit on comfortable bench seats on the front of the trishaw with full view of the park. Care homes in the local area are already lining up to offer it as an activity for their residents.

To find out more about how to access this free volunteer-led service, pop in to the Peacock Rooms café in Pittencrieff Park or follow the ‘Cycling Without Age Dunfermline’ Facebook page. Sessions can also be booked in advance in the cafe or on the Facebook page.

Potential volunteer pilots who would be interested in completing the training and helping to develop the Lochore Meadows project should email PhysicalActivity.Enquiries@fife.gov.uk