I wanted to help my auntie - now we’re launching the Fylde’s first Trishaw to get people moving again
A new community-led project is set to launch the Fylde’s first trishaw offering people with reduced mobility the chance to enjoy safe, volunteer-led bike rides along the promenade and in local parks.
Adam Blakey, from community organisation A Lifetime of Wisdom, has spoken of his pride as the Fylde prepares to launch its very first trishaw – a specially designed bike created to help people with reduced mobility get back out into the fresh air.
Adam and his wife have successfully raised the money and launched the Trishaw by holding a party at a care home in Kirkham.
The trishaw, which will be operated by trained volunteers is designed to allow those who struggle with mobility to enjoy bike rides along the promenade, through parks and around local neighbourhoods.
Adam said the project is open to everyone, regardless of age.
Adam explained that the idea behind the initiative is deeply personal. The inspiration came from his aunt, whose independence declined after moving into a care home.
The trishaw will be piloted by volunteers, including Adam and his wife, all of whom will undergo full training and safety checks.
The bike is designed to safely carry two passengers, offering a shared experience that promotes connection as well as wellbeing.
Adam hopes the project will help reduce isolation and improve quality of life for people across the Fylde, one ride at a time.
Adam Blakey, from a Lifetime of Wisdom, said: We’re here to launch the Fylde’s first Trishaw which is basically a specially designed bike which enables us to take people with reduced mobility out for bike rides into the fresh air, a ride down the romenade, into the park. It doesn’t matter if you’re a teenager or a hundred years old. We just want to be able to get people out and about, who currently suffer with mobility issues.
“It hit home when my auntie who went into a care home a year ago and before that she lived by herself she struggled getting out and had issues with mobility that declined further when she was admitted to a care home.
“That’s the whole reason why we started this, I felt compelled to do it because I wanted to help her. You have the person who’s operating the bike - they will all be volunteers, including myself and my wife.
“The person will be fully trained and safety checked - two people can ride the bike itself.”