What’s happening?
Cycling Without Age – Redlands Coast has officially launched its first trishaw.
The maiden ride took place on Friday, 6 February at 10.30 am at Raby Bay Harbour Park.
The special outing celebrated the birthdays of Eunice and Sarah, who turned 97 and 93 on the day.
Eunice, Mr. Steve Bayliss’ mum, and Sarah, the mum of one of the volunteers, became the chapter’s first passengers.
The ride began with a short trip around the harbour. It was followed by two 20 to 25-minute rides to Raby Bay Park. Eunice rode with her daughter, then Sarah rode with hers.
The trishaw has been named Elspeth in honour of the late mother of donors Cris and Tracey.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to reduce social isolation and support mental well-being for seniors and mobility-impaired residents.
Free short rides will now be offered across the Redlands Coast.
The group says the day captured what Cycling Without Age stands for, “The right to wind in your hair.”
Connection, joy and dignity sit at the heart of the program.
Local impact
For Redlands Coast families, this is more than a bike ride.
It offers seniors a chance to relive memories, reconnect with loved ones and enjoy the waterfront in a safe and supported way.
With secure storage now in place and a second trishaw on the way, more local residents will soon benefit.
By the numbers
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Eunice and Sarah, aged 97 and 93 years young, marked their birthdays as the first official passengers on 6 February at Raby Bay Harbour Park.
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After a short harbour loop, each birthday celebrant enjoyed a dedicated 20 to 25-minute waterfront ride with her daughter.
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On 12 February, Ian and the team at Cavalier Containers donated and delivered a 20-foot shipping container to securely house the trishaws and equipment.
Zoom in
The first trishaw was made possible through a generous donation from Cris and Tracey in honour of their mum, Elspeth.
Volunteers Steve and Paul drove to Sydney the previous Monday to collect the bike in time for the launch.
Strong community support was felt on the day, with flowers, balloons, chocolates and thoughtful gifts for the birthday passengers.
Following a public call-out for storage support, Ian and the team at Cavalier Containers stepped in. The donation of a 20-foot shipping container was shared publicly on 12 February.
The container will serve as a secure home base, keeping specialised trishaws and equipment safe and dry.
The chapter is also in the process of acquiring a second trishaw thanks to another generous community donation.
Community voices
Cr Jason Colley said, “This week I joined Cr Peter Mitchell and excited locals at Raby Bay Harbour to celebrate the launch of Cycling Without Age – Redlands Coast.
“Well done to Steve and the other volunteers who have worked incredibly hard to get this chapter off the ground, with the first ride enjoyed by two ladies celebrating their 90-something birthdays.
“Cycling Without Age – Redlands Coast is all about connection, joy, dignity and the providing an opportunity for the simple pleasure of being out in the world, feeling the breeze and sharing a moment together.
“Huge thanks goes to the local family who generously donated funds to purchase the first bike for the group.”
Cr Peter Mitchell added, “The smiles on the riders and tears of the crowd said it all.
“Cycling Without Age – Redlands Coast has been one of 2026’s good news stories.
“What an incredible community effort of generosity of time, money and spirit all wrapped up in kindness.
“Take a bow, Steve and all the team.
“I’m proud to have done my small part to help get to this point.
“I expect the group to hit Redland City Council up for a grant or two when the time is right and hope that business gets in behind the initiative as well.
“A shout out to UI International at Raby Bay Harbour for doing just that. Kudos.
“Thanks, Cr Jason Colle,y for coming down and showing support to the group.”
Zoom out
Cycling Without Age operates across Australia, with chapters focused on giving older people the chance to be outdoors again.
The Redlands Coast launch strengthens the program’s footprint in Queensland.
The local team has even playfully warned Cycling Without Age – Gold Coast that Redlands Coast is aiming to become the biggest chapter.
What to look for next?
The second trishaw is currently being acquired.
As the fleet grows, more free rides will be rolled out across the Redlands Coast.
One ride, one story, one smile at a time.
