‘Bib The Bike’ Brings Freedom Of Cycling To Dorset Care Home Residents

Fun and freedom-loving residents of a Dorset care home have begun touring their locality with a specially adapted trishaw Bib the Bike is proving a definite hit at Colten Care s Newstone House in Sturminster Newton with passengers enjoying the fresh air and opportunity to go out and about

The bike pedalled by a suitably trained operator at the back can carry two people in comfort

Run by volunteers it is part of a community health and wellbeing initiative led by the Blackmore Vale Surgery in the town s Old Market Hill a couple of minutes away from Newstone House

By helping people to enjoy the local neighbourhood and nearby countryside the aim is to improve mental health and stimulation and support those who may feel lonely if they are otherwise unable to be mobile in the com- munity

At Newstone House, the trishaw was brought into the gardens for an hourlong test run before starting the first of what are expected to be regular outings along the North Dorset Trailway

Companionship Team Leader Karlene Horswill said It s so nice to see Bib in action The residents were absolutely fascinated and asked lots of questions about the bike and the prospect of going out on rides They certainly enjoyed the first outing

Rita Clay said: “I was really nervous to try the bike but I was made to feel so welcome and reassured It was a lot of fun and I can t believe how smooth the ride was It was really enjoyable ”

Fellow resident Sylvia Livsey said: Oh what fun! I can t wait to enjoy more outings to the Dorset Trailway on the rickshaw ”