Weiterstadt's volunteer agency offers free excursions for seniors and people with disabilities
For many older people or people with mobility impairments, outings and spontaneous activities are no longer a given. The Weiterstadt Volunteer Agency (WEA), with its rickshaw project, ensures that these people can get around again – and rediscover a sense of joy in life.
“Today’s ride was like a little world tour for me,” said a senior citizen from a retirement home in Weiterstadt. Since she has limited mobility, the ride in a bicycle rickshaw offered her the opportunity to revisit her favorite places in and around Weiterstadt while enjoying the breeze.
More than 700 passengers last year
The rides are organized by a volunteer team from WEA. One of the dedicated drivers is Rolf Lohmar, who coordinates the project and regularly participates himself.
“We only receive positive feedback,” reports Lohmar. “A rickshaw ride is a small adventure for our passengers, where we enjoy nature together, share impressions and have pleasant conversations. It’s fun and enriching for everyone.”
Demand is high: Several hundred people use the service every year. Last year alone, more than 700 passengers traveled by rickshaw.
Four rickshaws in use
For the past five years, the volunteer rickshaw team has been offering free rides three days a week from spring to autumn. Their fleet includes four electrically assisted bicycle rickshaws, two of which have wheelchair-accessible platforms.
In addition to providing rides for residents of senior living facilities and visitors to the senior center, the team regularly presents the rickshaws at events in the region. These include the Riedbahn Festival, the "Mach-Mit-Markt" (a community market) in Weiterstadt, summer festivals organized by clubs, carnival parades, and town festivals in Weiterstadt, Griesheim, and Erzhausen.
Support from foundations and the state of Hesse
The bicycle rickshaws, with a total value of around 25,000 euros, were financed by the Frankfurt-based Giersch Foundation and the state of Hesse.
“We support initiatives and municipalities with their events and would welcome additional sponsors,” explains Lohmar. Further support could help to purchase more rickshaws and expand the service.
Volunteer drivers wanted
The rickshaw project welcomes more volunteer drivers. Interested individuals will receive driver training and instructions on safe handling of the vehicles and passengers before their first assignment.
The volunteers and their passengers are covered by accident and liability insurance through the city of Weiterstadt or the participating senior citizens' facilities.
Further information is available from the Weiterstadt Volunteer Agency by email at info@ehrenamt-weiterstadt.de, by phone at 0160 93113924 or on the WEA website.
(WEITERSTADT – RED/PSW)
Featured image: The rickshaw team of the Weiterstadt Volunteer Agency. Photo: PSW)
