Wheels in motion on Black Isle Men's Shed trishaw ride idea being piloted for when coronavirus restrictions are lifted
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A ROSS-SHIRE men's shed group is exploring the possibility of offering electric trike rides in a community when conditions allow.
The trikes, which resemble rickshaws, can be used to allow less able people to get out and about with a trained rider, or 'pilot'.
The Black Isle Men's Shed group has recently had a loan of an electric trike "used by our friends in Inverness to take less able folks out and about with trips down to Chanonry Point and Rosemarkie beach".
Chairman Steve Bramwell posted: "You may see us out on our own or with passengers who will always be family members in a 'bubble'. We are a small group of shed members who are practicing so we can instruct volunteer pilots as and when the project takes off. We are still at the earliest stage looking at sources of funding and interested in meeting people who might like to be part of this community-based and ultimately run project.
"This is the same idea which has been so successful in Cromarty and which we think might be particularly useful in Fortrose and Rosemarkie especially with the new care home opening soon.
"We wanted to reassure folk we are adhering strictly to Scottish Government Covid rules and are posting this to avoid any public concern. There has already been a lot of interest from our local community and please do stop us for a chat if you want to know more."
The idea has been warmly received . Chrissie Lane said: "Brilliant Steve....wondering why it was going up and down the street🤣. Definitely good to practice. We know how much joy these rides out have given to less mobile or cognitively impaired people so be excellent to have trikes that can be used in this area. Massive thanks to all involved."
Shirley Matheson posted: "Great to see the trikes could come to Fortrose and Rosemarkie. I run the Cycling Without Age Cromarty, Scotland group and they have been a great asset to the town."
Related: Cromarty 'pilots' have lift-off
