Yesterday saw the official launch of South Dublin County’s first Trishaw in Donnder Valley Park.

Cllr. Emma Murphy Mayor of South Dublin and Thos McDermott (SDCSP) with Pilot Alan O’Flaferty and his dad Joseph O’Flaherty at the launch of the Cycle Without Age Trishaw Bike in Dodder Valley Park.

South Dublin County Sports Partnership, in partnership with Age Friendly Ireland, introduce South Dublin County’s first Trishaw at Dodder Valley Park.  The Trishaw, names “Sonas”, will offer older adults and those with mobility issues the opportunity to experience the beauty and sounds of Dodder Valley Park in comfort, at an easy pace all while being cycled around by a pilot volunteer. Cycling Without Age in partnership with Dodder Valley Cycling will manage the day to day of the Trishaw “Sonas,” along with their 30+ dedicated local volunteers who will pilot the Trishaw passengers.

Passenger Joseph O’Flaherty, his son Alan O’Flaferty at the launch of the Cycle Without Age Trishaw Bike in Dodder Valley Park.

Thomas McDermott, South Dublin County Sports Partnership Coordinator said “Our aim is to encourage and support increased activity, and wellness in our communities. We hope introducing the Trishaw will make the outdoors more accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable to all in our community”.

Alan O’Flaherty Chairperson – Dodder Valley Cycling said  “Dodder Valley Park is such a perfect location for a Cycling Without Age chapter. CWA is all about letting older people, and those with mobility issues, experience the joy of a bike ride and just getting out into nature again to feel the wind in the hair. Having a Trishaw in the park really is a dream come true. The volunteer pilots are all looking forward to keeping Sonas the Trishaw busy over the coming months and years! I am so very grateful to everyone who has supported this project along the way to launch, and the list is a long one! Huge thanks to South Dublin County Council for providing the funding through the Active Cities Dublin initiative. I am very grateful to Thomas McDermott in the South Dublin County Sports Partnership for taking my initial call all those months ago and being very positive and encouraging from the outset.”

Cllr. Emma Murphy Mayor of South Dublin and Thos McDermott (SDCSP) with Pilot Alan O’Flaferty, his dad Joseph O’Flaherty and the team of volunteer pilotsat the launch of the Cycle Without Age Trishaw Bike in Dodder Valley Park.

The Trishaw is free to book, and boking slots are now available from the 4th of March.

Bookings can be made.

For more information on Cycling without Age and cycling accessibility please visit Cycling Without Age