Tweed Shire Council Partners with Cycling Without Age for Inclusive Rail Trail Experience
Tweed Shire Council is excited to announce a new collaboration with Cycling Without Age (CWA) to offer a unique and inclusive service on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. This partnership will provide free trishaw rides for elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and those with reduced mobility, fostering community connections and enhancing access to the award-winning trail.
Nicole Manderson, Program Leader for Destination & Industry Development, expressed her enthusiasm for this initiative: “Delivering an inclusive and accessible service for everyone through Cycling Without Age has been our goal since the Tweed section opened. Our opening weekend featured Cycling Without Age, and we are thrilled to establish a chapter in Burringbar to serve this section of the Rail Trail.”
Initially operating between Burringbar and Mooball, the service offers a unique outdoor recreation experience for those unable to enjoy the trail independently. This free service, run by dedicated volunteers, aligns perfectly with the rail trail’s values of freedom, fun, and connection.
The Council’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity is supported by the Tweed Shire Council Equal Access Advisory Committee. Nicole added, “The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is accessible for all, and we are excited to support CWA in delivering this community service. It adds significant value to our guests’ experiences on the trail, bringing many smiles and joy to our community.”
This initiative was made possible with support from the Office of Sport and Recreation, which funded the first two trishaws, and the Burringbar community, which provided storage facilities. The wonderful volunteers at Cycling Without Age deliver this free community service.
Tracey McDonagh, Community Captain at Cycling Without Age Burringbar, shared her excitement and gratitude: “We are grateful for the support from Tweed Shire Council, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, and the Office of Sport and Recreation. Their support, including temporary storage and operational needs, has been crucial. The NSW Office of Sport and Recreation’s funding of our first two trishaws to the value of $50,000 was essential. We look forward to growing our fleet and offering wheelchair-accessible bike rides in the future.”
The service will operate on the sealed section of the Tweed Rail Trail between Burringbar and Mooball on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Rides start from the Burringbar rest stop at Masterson Park, which offers ample parking and an accessible public toilet. Bookings are encouraged, with rides available every half hour starting at 9:30 am and the last ride at 12:30 pm. To book, email CWA Burringbar at burringbartrishawbookings@gmail.com with your name, phone number, preferred time slot, and the number of people. Each trishaw can accommodate two people.
For more information on booking a ride or volunteering, visit the Cycling Without Age Burringbar Facebook page.
About Cycling Without Age
Cycling Without Age is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to reconnecting vulnerable individuals with their communities and the environment through free trishaw rides. With 37 chapters across Australia, the organisation recently established a new chapter in Burringbar.
This innovative service brings the community together, providing an opportunity for all to enjoy the beautiful Northern Rivers Rail Trail and its surroundings.
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