In this episode of our Community Champions series, Iris Huizinga meets CycleAbility volunteer Adam Hockhing.
On a sunny Saturday bicycles of all shapes wait patiently to be tried out in the car park of the Disability Trust in Spring Hill. Adam Hockhing whooshes past on his recumbent tricycle while Matthew McMaugh zips around on his two-wheeler. Both are here as part of CycleAbility, a program that encourages disabled people to get out and have fun.
“I can get out and get exercise,” says Adam, who lives in Corrimal. “I can possibly catch up with some people at places and get out in the sun.
“Whereas probably if I didn't have a bike, I wouldn’t get out as much.”
CycleAbility is a free program that was kicked off in 2021 by Ed Birt of The Disability Trust. Ed raised funds to buy tricycles by cycling solo from Perth to Sydney, 5500 kilometres. It took him 23 days.
Michael Norris and Linzi DeSousa, both employees of the Disability Trust, give up their free time on Saturdays to assist anyone who wants to have a go, helped by enthusiastic cyclists like Matthew and Adam.
“The most important thing about this program is that it is a free program,” says Michael. “We are fortunate to have volunteers to help the participants ride the bikes, learn how to ride and to connect with their peers in a fun social setting.”
The program teaches bike riding skills, road awareness and safety, road rules, bike maintenance and the importance of activity.
Matthew, from Woonona, comes down on Saturdays to help out.
“I get a lot of bike-riding in. I like to come here because it keeps me fit.” Matt says his bicycle is a big part of his independence, and he enjoys helping others ride properly.
Today a new batch of bicycles has arrived in flatpacks. Ed opens up a box full of cycle parts. These e-trikes will take several Saturdays to put together, but there are smiles all round.
CycleAbility Program: every last Saturday of the month, 10am-noon, 5 Edney Lane, Spring Hill. For more information about the Disability Trust and this program, call 1300 347 224, email ILSRecPrograms@disabilitytrust.org.au or visit the Disability Trust website