Rickshaws make senior citizens mobile

Already since 2015, volunteers have been cycling for the association "Cycling without Age Germany e.V." have been pedalling all over Germany. In line with the motto "for more wind in your hair", senior citizens and people with limited mobility should receive an extended mobility offer by means of free rickshaw rides.

For the right to have wind in your hair

The effect of the gain in mobility for people with limited mobility and their carers is enormous. With the radius of movement, self-confidence also increases again, new experiences lead to greater satisfaction and social isolation is reduced or even dissolved.

Inspired by the work of the association "Radeln ohne Alter Deutschland e.V." (Cycling without Age Germany) as well as the numerous positive feedbacks on the use of the rickshaws promoted by Adalbert-Raps-Stiftung in the district of Bamberg, the foundation finally launched the tender "Rickshaws for Upper Franconia" in summer 2021. Almost 30 applications for a funded rickshaw location in Upper Franconia were received during the tender period. The selection interviews took place at the beginning of September with the active support of Natalie Chirchietti, Managing Director of the association "Radeln ohne Alter Deutschland e.V.".

Before the presentation of the new rickshaw locations in Upper Franconia promoted by Adalbert-Raps-Stiftung , Natalie Chirchietti reveals in a short interview what the goal is that "cycling without age" pursues and has consistently motivated and driven the employees since 2015.

What is behind the mission of the "Right to Wind in Your Hair"?

Natalie Chirchietti: "We are convinced that life can and should be full of joy even in old age. We want to create encounters, between young and old, in the neighbourhoods - and the rickshaw makes this possible. A rickshaw ride is a small adventure where common memories are created and life stories are shared. This is a win-win situation for both sides, as the rickshaw drivers, called pilots, make a social contribution in addition to their own sporting commitment and can pass on the happiness of feeling the wind in their hair to the senior citizens. In this way, loneliness can be counteracted and social participation made possible. Sometimes strangers even become friends. It is time that we get rid of our clichéd images of old age and learn through personal contact what it means to grow old and to be old.

Why is the concept of cycling without age a matter close to your heart? What particularly inspires you about it?

Natalie Chirchietti: "For me, cycling means freedom, joy and movement. It means a lot to me to share this joy for cycling with other people. Due to the lack of mobility, many people have difficulties participating in the social life of their neighbourhood and live isolated at home or in senior citizen and care facilities. The lack of infrastructure in our cities and municipalities does not make it easier for them. In many places, our cities and municipalities are not designed for people to grow old there. We need a change in urban planning that also includes people who are 80 years old and no longer 30, young and athletic. I think it's great to use the rickshaw to give people who have limited mobility the opportunity to become a visible, active part of their neighbourhood again."

Adalbert-Raps-Stiftung promotes 13 new rickshaw locations in Upper Franconia

With the aim of spreading the concept of "rickshaws" in Upper Franconia, Adalbert-Raps-Stiftung launched the funding call "Rickshaws for Upper Franconia" in mid-July. During the application phase, social and non-profit organisations were able to apply for one of up to 13 funded rickshaw locations until the end of August. After the review of the applications received and the subsequent selection interviews, Upper Franconia's rickshaw locations have been determined:

• Elisabeth Verein Pottenstein e.V. (district of Bayreuth)
  Target group: Senior citizens and people in need of care
• Hilfe für das behinderte Kind gGmbH (City of Bayreuth)
  Target group: People with disabilities (from childhood to adulthood)
• Wilhelm Löhe Seniorenzentrum - Diakonisches Werk Bamberg-Forchheim e.V. (City of Bamberg)
  Target group: Senior citizens and people in need of care
• ASB Regionalverband Coburg e.V. (Coburg district)
  Target group: Senior citizens, people in need of care and people with disabilities
• AWO Mehrgenerationenhaus/Projektgruppe Stadtmacher (City of Coburg)
  Target group: Senior citizens
• alt&weise gGmbH (district of Hof)
  Target group: senior citizens, people in need of care and the sick
• Caritasverband für Stadt und Landkreis Hof e.V. (City of Hof)
  Target group: Senior citizens and people in need of care
• BRK Bürgerhospital - BRK Kreisverband Kulmbach (Kulmbach district)
  Target group: Senior citizens and people in need of care
• AWO Kirschenallee - AWO Kreisverband Kulmbach e.V. (Kulmbach district)
  Target group: Senior citizens and people in need of care
• Diakoneo Competence Centre (District of Forchheim)
  Target group: Senior citizens and people in need of care
• Quartiersstützpunkt "In der Heimat wohnen" Steinwiesen - Caritasverband für den Landkreis Kronach e.V. (Kronach District)
  Target group: Senior citizens and people in need of care
• Neighbourhood support point "Living in the home" Altenkunstadt - Caritasverband für den Landkreis Lichtenfels e.V./Regens Wagner Burgkunstadt (Landkreis Lichtenfels)
  Target group: Senior citizens and people in need of care
• Large district town of Selb (Wunsiedel district)
  Target group: Senior citizens and people in need of care