A CITY cycling group is setting out to tell York's senior citizens, "You're never too old to ride a bike", with an innovative scheme.

York Cycling Without Age is a new project, which will see 'Pedallers' offer older, less able people the chance to have a free ride in a rickshaw.

This will enable them to enjoy the freedom of the outdoors, companionship and contact with the wider York community.

The group is part of an international movement, set up in Copenhagen in 2012, which now operates in 41 countries around the world.

Here, the project will be delivered by York Bike Belles, with start-up funding from AWA digital and i-Travel York, storage and maintenance from Cycle Heaven, and plenty of pedal power from an army of local volunteers.

With the help of a special electric-assist rickshaw - nicknamed Trixie - which has space for two passengers, Pedallers will give free, comfortable rides to older and less-mobile folk who may not be able to get out as often as they would like.

Chair and curator of York Bike Belles, Sheridan Piggott, said: "We have been overwhelmed by the support from the community. No fewer than 41 local volunteers have expressed an interest in helping out and we are linking with nine local care homes and independent living schemes for the pilot autumn programme."

York Cycling Without Age launched from the Chocolate Works care village last week, with a series of taster rides around Rowntree Park and along the riverside greenway.

The group is now looking for ongoing sponsorship in order to make the initiative a permanent fixture of York community life.

To donate or sponsor the project from Spring 2019 email yorkbikebelles@gmail.com

For further information see yorkbikebelles.community