Biking through barriers

Cycling Without Age Australia
Passionate. Generous. Committed

Karen O’Connor is giving dozens of local people who can no longer cycle an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and the feeling of the wind in their hair on electric tricycles ridden by volunteers.

Karen led the introduction of Cycling Without Age, to Perth several years ago after seeing a social media video about a volunteer taking nursing home residents for rides in Scotland.

“I must have watched that over a hundred times, inspiring me to want to create the same opportunities for others in my local community,” Karen says.

She is so passionate that she gave up work for over a year to establish Cycling Without Age in WA.

The rides give people an opportunity to be visible, included and joyful. Today there are seven chapters in the state and several more in other states.

The free program builds socially inclusive communities, promotes intergenerational communication and improves physical and mental health.

“Every volunteer cyclist has a special story to tell of a ride with someone that has deeply touched them,” says Karen.

Karen says she feels humbled to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. “We don’t do this for recognition. However, it did make me feel proud to reflect on where we have come from establishing this program to where we are today.”

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Cycling Without Age will use its funds to buy a trailer to transport the bikes and uniforms for the volunteer riders. It will also pay administration costs that are integral to keeping the charity operating.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here