Trishaw bike offers ‘great outdoors’ experience for people with impaired mobility

A new mode of transport has been unveiled in Roscommon Town, which will allow wheelchair users and those with impaired mobility an opportunity to experience the fun of a cycle in the great outdoors.

A battery-operated trishaw bicycle, launched on Monday, allows wheelchair users to sit securely on an adapted ramp on the front of the bike, which will be piloted by specially trained cyclists.

The Sacred Heart Home Comfort Fund has also donated a wheelchair for people with limited mobility who may like to avail of a bicycle ride.

Led by the Roscommon Lions Club, the new initiative is supported by Roscommon County Council, Lough Ree Access for All, the Sacred Heart Home Comfort Fund and Roscommon Sports Partnership, which is training the bike pilots.

Two separate tranches of municipal funding were secured for the venture by both the Lions Club and Lough Ree Access for All with further funding supplemented by the Sacred Heart Home Comfort Fund.

The idea for the trishaw emerged as part of a community project undertaken by Independent councillor Kathleen Shanagher when she was studying for a degree in Business Enterprise and Community Development. She went on to develop the idea with the assistance of the five stakeholders.

“This trishaw will allow people to enjoy a bicycle trip around towns in the county and we’re also hoping this can help further promote the county and its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity,” she said.

A booking programme is now being organised so that people in any part of the county can avail of the trishaw. Plans are also afoot to acquire a second trishaw bike.