Victorian Nationals: Darren Chester MP - CYCLING WITHOUT AGE GIPPSLAND GEARS UP FOR GROWTH IN 2026

Cycling Without Age Gippsland has rolled into the new year with renewed energy, as the local volunteer-run charity looks to expand its operations and continue bringing joy and connection to older Gippslanders and people with mobility challenges throughout 2026.

Cycling Without Age Gippsland is part of a worldwide movement, with chapters operating across Australia, and is chaired locally by Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.

"Taking inspiration from a global movement, a group of passionate locals has established Cycling Without Age Gippsland to help reconnect people with their community and the outdoors," Mr Chester said.

"I'm proud to serve as the inaugural chair and to help get this wonderful concept up and running here in Gippsland."

Cycling Without Age Gippsland provides free trishaw e-bike rides for people who are no longer able to ride independently, pairing trained volunteer pilots with passengers for gentle, social rides through local parks and pathways.

"It's a simple but powerful idea," Mr Chester said.

"By offering free rides on purpose-built trishaw e-bikes, we're helping reduce social isolation, promote wellbeing and create meaningful connections between volunteers and passengers."

Mr Chester said the charity had made strong progress in recent months and was now focused on expanding its capacity.

"Late last year, Cycling Without Age Gippsland took delivery of two new trishaws - Ricky Rickshaws from Tribe Bikes - which will be permanently based in Sale," he said.

"We're also working through the appropriate channels to establish a permanent home for the charity, which will allow us to offer more rides and reach more people across the community in 2026."

The charity has already hosted several successful ride days in Sale this year, including its first official ride day for 2026, where residents from Ashleigh House enjoyed free trishaw rides around Lake Guthridge.

Cycling Without Age Gippsland relies entirely on volunteers and is dedicated to reducing loneliness and social isolation by combining gentle outdoor activity with conversation, companionship and community engagement.

"Bringing people together as volunteer pilots and passengers creates joyful moments and strengthens community bonds," Mr Chester said.

"To see the smiles on people's faces makes it all worthwhile."

Gippslanders interested in learning more, volunteering as a pilot or support crew, or staying updated on upcoming ride days are encouraged to follow Cycling Without Age Gippsland on Facebook.