How older cyclists can enjoy a day out on their bikes
Alec, 94, enjoys cycling Photo: Emily Kerr City councillor Emily Kerr has written a second article for Cyclox on how cycling can benefit older people. Last week, I shared stories of older Oxford[1] cyclists, and this week I'm focusing on two older people who have great ideas on improving access to cycles and mobility scooters.
Alec, 94, switched to an ebike five years ago. He cycles for transport everywhere within Oxford's ring-road, and goes out on country cycle rides with his daughter and her husband - both in their seventies. "I go out cycling every day, unless it's absolutely terrible weather.
Cycling is... well it's my liberty. I would say it's almost my life now. READ AGAIN: Foodies pub in village near Oxford has closed [2]
"My legs aren't terribly strong any more, and I can't walk very well. But I can cycle just fine." Alec cycles to visit friends, the GP, the hospital, shopping and events he thinks looks interesting - in fact he cycles pretty much everywhere within the ring-road and feels quite comfortable on the roads.
But that's not true for everyone. "I speak to a lot of older people about cycling and the number one thing they want is safe, secluded cycleways - so it's easy to get about. Lots of people want to get cycling again, to get fit, lose weight, and get about the city easily.
But many older people don't know how to start again or how to make the bike stuck in the back of their garage roadworthy." Alec thinks there should be help sessions for hesitant and retired cyclists to help them "re-cycle" again, a cycling buddy to help them get going, and an event offering free bike checks, and advice on buying, repairing and e-converting bikes. He loves the idea of a larger event, a day where older people could come and try out different types of bike in a safe environment, and a parade or marshalled ride for older people to ride the roads safely.
Cecily, 79, stopped cycling 10 years ago due to limited mobility. A few years later, she bought a second-hand mobility scooter - and its transformed her sense of freedom. Story continues
"Mobility scooters are quite easy to learn - but can be really nerve-wracking to start with. READ AGAIN: Shotgun owner turned away from village polling station[3] And many people who use them feel safer if they're out with others.
Personally, if I go on the towpath, I always go out with my friend who is walking her dog." Cecily uses her scooter to go shopping, see friends, and visit her husband's grave. She loves the independence it gives her, and would love others to benefit in the same way.
"I think there are many housebound older people whose lives could be transformed by mobility scooters. Even if you only ever go out with other people, having your own mobility rather than being pushed in a wheelchair or a passenger in a car makes you feel so much more independent." Cecily says roads are problematic because of potholes (worse on a small-wheeled scooter), and traffic danger -especially cars invading the cycle lane.
Pavements have many obstructions: bins, over-running hedges, cars, tree roots and dropped kerbs.
Oxford Mail: But she says there are other barriers. It is a hassle to get scooters serviced - especially as specialist sellers are mostly online.
Bike shops will change tyres, but don't keep them in stock, and mobile servicing options are good but expensive. New users need advice on scooter types, and it would be helpful to have guided rides and a special map with destinations, routes, shops with 'scooter-friendly' aisles, and disabled loos. would welcome a rotating mobility scooter mending and advice service, something which visited all the "50+" groups in Oxford.
There are loads of great ideas here, and I hope we can make some of them happen over the next few years. If you have any further ideas on how we can get older people cycling, please contact Cyclox at [email protected]. Help support trusted local news
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Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. [5] He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire. His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning.
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References
- ^ Oxford (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ READ AGAIN: Foodies pub in village near Oxford has closed (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ READ AGAIN: Shotgun owner turned away from village polling station (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ can sign up to his newsletters for free here. (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)