Peebles Care Home cycles into Spring

Spring has sprung and Peebles Care Home residents have been enjoying the benefits of getting outdoors, thanks to an innovative cycling organisation.

Cycling Without Age is a worldwide organisation, and the local chapter has recently begun making regular visits to Peebles Care Home with a trishaw and a wheelchair bike, both pedalled by cycling ‘pilots’ and accompanied by a cycling outrider.

Peebles Care Home Activity Assistant Karen Ritchie said, “I contacted Cycling Without Age after seeing them in Biggar. Getting out on the bikes is great for our residents. It lifts their mood, boosts their confidence and is something exciting that they talk about for days with friends and staff.”

The 30 minute cycle journey from the care home at Tweed Green takes in the rugby ground and football pitch as well as the bowling green and riverside paths, with plenty of stops to speak to passers-by.

“Zeta and John on the trishaw and Gordon and Aida on the wheelchair bike have been our first residents to enjoy this new opportunity,” said Karen. “They loved it and wanted to go out again! It’s such a great way to get the sun and wind on your face and chat to people, while seeing another part of the town. Thanks to pilots Andy and Fiona for helping make it such a success.”

If the weather is suitable, Peebles Care Home residents will be out on the bikes again to enjoy more Spring sunshine.

Many thanks to Mansfield Care Homes staff for the lovely photos.