AN innovative project which aims to help people with mobility issues get out and about needs new volunteers. 

Cycling Without Age Scotland (CWAS) and River Clyde Homes have joined forces to bring two e-bike trishaws to the area. 

A team of five dedicated volunteers are already on board and are almost ready to start taking people out for rides across Inverclyde on the light, three-wheeled vehicles. 

Volunteer Gordon Logan says bringing in more people will help raise awareness of the journeys and enable the team to offer more routes. 

Gordon said: "Our current route is from the start of Greenock Esplanade to Gourock pool and back. 

"We want to have enough volunteers to be able to offer four or five risk-assessed routes across Inverclyde. 

"We need people to be pilots and co-pilots, and we really need administrative staff to help us draw up timetables and get information out there for people. 

"Passengers will get so much out of it and the volunteers will really benefit from it as well, as it's great exercise and they're getting out and about in the fresh air.

"The people who are the hardest for us to reach might just be the people who will benefit most."

CWAS says volunteers should be aged 16 and over and have 'empathy, enthusiasm and a strong desire to engage with passengers'.

Greenock Telegraph:
The vehicles can seat two people are and 'piloted' by one person. 

Christine Bell, chief executive of CWAS said: "It is so exciting to have a new chapter now under way in Inverclyde. 

"The dedication, enthusiasm and commitment of the volunteers who have got the project to this stage exemplify the spirit that is at the very heart of our organisation."

Siobhan Mahon, support services manager at River Clyde Homes, said the housing provider helped secure funding for the trishaws. 

She says the team are keen to hear from volunteers and from people who want to become passengers. 

Siobhan added: "We want to hear from groups and individuals all over Inverclyde and reach as many people as possible. 

"It's a really fulfilling activity and will be great for building bonds and friendships with passengers and volunteers. 

"There's potential to get whole families involved in activities.

"People will get the chance to make a really positive difference in their community and see the area in a really fun way."

The team are also currently looking for a permanent home for the trishaws somewhere between Greenock fire station and Gourock pool, on a hard standing surface. 

Councillor Sandra Reynolds has supported the project from its outset. 

She said: "The trishaw journeys link into the Active Travel initiative which works to connect cycling, wheeling and walking routes throughout Inverclyde. 

"This is fantastic for people who wouldn't normally be able to get out and enjoy the fresh air.

"It will also be great for people who are lacking a bit of confidence on their bike and want to get out cycling again."

A trishaw will be showcased at Gourock Garden Party on June 15. 

To find out more about that, and volunteering opportunities, email siobhan.mahon@riverclydehomes.org.uk