Seniors get eBike experience

Seniors living in the City of Greater Geraldton had an opportunity to get familiar with riding an eBike.

Hosted in May, the ‘Seniors Have a Go eBike’ session encouraged older residents to discover the enjoyment and benefits of a motor-assisted bicycle.

The inaugural event was organised by the City’s Active Travel Officer (ATO) Fred Block, who is himself a senior.

City of Greater Geraldton Active Travel Officer, Fred Block (Centre) with participants at the ‘Seniors Have a Go eBike’ event.

“Cycling is good for seniors for several reasons,” Fred said.

“It strengthens and protects joints, enhances balance and coordination and just as importantly, it provides social opportunities and connection.”

eBikes have made bike riding much more accessible in recent years and are a great alternative to push bikes, catering to different fitness and mobility levels, saving time and physical exertion.

Although the session was met with some initial trepidation from participants who hadn’t hopped on a bike in many years, Fred said the unease quickly turned to enthusiasm.

“Beaming smiles soon took over and there were repeated calls of ‘can I have another go?’”

The City’s ATO role is a position established through seed funding from the Department of Transport (DoT) as part of the Western Australian Bicycle Network Grants Program. The ATO grant allocation is focused on boosting development and delivery of active travel initiatives and bike network activation programs in communities, as well as increasing rates of walking and riding to school.

“The best thing about being an ATO is being able to provide opportunities for people of all ages to have a go at being more active,” Fred said.

“Whether it is riding or walking, witnessing the joy, sense of achievement and behavioural changes in participants is a thoroughly rewarding experience.”

For more information, visit our WA Bicycle Network Grants Program webpage.