Alanagh Godderidge
Founder / CEO of Motion by the Ocean Inc.
A Community Built on Connection
Motion by the Ocean began in 2017 after a simple but powerful moment — seeing a Trishaw carrying two older women through the Scottish countryside, completely present and full of joy. That image sparked Western Australia’s first Cycling Without Age movement, inspired by the global philosophy founded by Ole Kassow in Denmark.
From Copenhagen, the first Trishaw in the state arrived in January 2018. From the earliest rides, it became clear that this was never just about cycling. It was about restoring dignity, companionship and a sense of belonging. It was also about storytelling — because every person has a story worth hearing, and unless those stories are shared, they slowly get lost in time. Above all, this work is grounded in the belief that we all deserve to stay socially relevant within the community we live and love, especially as the risk of loneliness rises when mobility, life circumstances or connection change.
Motion by the Ocean Inc. was established in 2019 to build a strong, local foundation for this work. At the start of COVID-19, our Moving Food program was introduced — rescuing surplus food while we reimagined how to move forward with our Cycling Without Age Sorrento program during an uncertain time. What began as a temporary response soon became a vital support for seniors and vulnerable residents through our Moving Food program.
Today, we have procured our seventh Trishaw, supported by more than 60 dedicated volunteers who bring this work to life every single day. A new Hyundai Staria has also been introduced to support our growing operations and regional visits, strengthening our capacity to deliver services safely and reliably. Our impact now extends from Sorrento into Kalgoorlie, with Esperance soon to follow — regional commitments built on genuine relationships so our team and Trishaws can return again and again. Motion by the Ocean is the most prolific Cycling Without Age service provider in the country, operating in and out of Sorrento seven days a week.
Keeping our Trishaws at the point of service has always been central to how we operate. Support from local MLA Caitlin Collins and the Department of Transport enabled us to expand our fleet while preserving this simple, effective model. Their support has allowed us to connect with thousands of people in aged care and supportive residential environments, and has strengthened volunteer retention by allowing volunteers to focus on what they love most — getting on a Trishaw and bringing joy to others.
Looking ahead, the pending redevelopment of the Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club will create a new community hub, where Cycling Without Age Sorrento will be one of only two external organisations granted a dedicated storage unit. This will allow us to introduce two specialised Trishaws for wheelchair users and those with limited lower-body strength — ensuring no one is excluded from enjoying our shared paths.
This work has shown how easily people can become disconnected — and how powerful it is when a community leads its own solutions. Stories are shared, friendships form, and the coastline becomes a place of comfort, purpose and connection. Every person carries a story, and each one deserves to be heard and remembered.
Motion by the Ocean remains humbled by the support around us. Our purpose is simple: to help people stay connected, one meaningful ride at a time. If this work has sparked something in you, look to the unmet needs within your own community. When you gather with like-minded people who care as deeply as you do, you may find you become just as much a beneficiary of the good you create as the people you set out to support.
