I’ve been a volunteer with Motion By the Ocean for three years.
My husband passed away about a year before I joined the organisation.
My neighbour suggested it to me which was just what I needed to help with the grieving process.
It has been such a good thing for me, to be involved in a way that I can give back to the community. I also like that it is in my neighbourhood.
I really enjoy hearing peoples stories, so much history! I often hear stories about when they used to come to the beach or rides their bikes along the coastal path when they were little. So many of the passengers have a connection to the area.
And for them, to have someone just to listen. It’s not just about the destination when going on the ride. It’s more about getting out in fresh air and sunshine and having a chat.
“Mover” Sponsor, Dasco Supply Group’s Daniel Golding who also volunteers for us
Being part of Motion by the Ocean has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I first got involved because I loved the idea of giving the elderly and disabled people the chance to enjoy the freedom and excitement of being on a bike, riding along the coast and taking in the fresh air. But over time, it’s become so much more than that. Every ride is a reminder of how powerful simple moments can be. Seeing the smiles, the laughter, and the joy it brings to people is something that really stays with you.
Through my business, Dasco Supply Group, we’re proud to sponsor Motion by the Ocean and support the incredible work Alanagh and the team do. It’s an organisation that brings genuine happiness and connection to so many people, and it means a lot to be part of that.
Personally, I get just as much out of these rides as anyone — they’re a reminder of what community and compassion can achieve when people come together and I’m proud to be a small part of it
Peter Hernaman – Each ride is unique. Sometimes, there’s lively conversation or laughter; other times, it’s apeaceful silence.
Becoming a trishaw pilot has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It all started with a simple idea—I wanted to give back. After spotting trishaws cruising along the coast and getting a little encouragement from a neighbour, I decided to give it a go. I had no idea how much joy it would bring, not just to others, but to me as well.
The training was thorough, which gave me the confidence to ensure every passenger feels safe and comfortable. Each ride is unique. Sometimes, there’s lively conversation or laughter; other times, it’s a peaceful silence as we take in the fresh air and surroundings. I’ve met so many incredible people, from elderly residents to younger individuals with disabilities. It’s been amazing to see how much these rides mean to them. One ride that stands out was with Giovanni, a retired mechanic.
At first, he was a bit reserved, but as we rode along, he started opening up and sharing stories about his life. By the end of the ride, his mood had completely transformed, and he was smiling from ear to ear. Moments like that remind me why this is so worthwhile—it’s not just about the ride; it’s about the connection. Of course, there are challenges. Navigating busy paths and ensuring everyone’s safety can be tricky at times. But the gratitude from passengers and the support from the community make it all worth it.
This experience has taught me so much—patience, empathy, and the value of being present in the moment. What makes it even more special is the sense of community among the volunteers. We all come from different backgrounds, but we’re united by a shared purpose.
I’m especially excited about plans to take our trishaws to Kalgoorlie soon, where we’ll offer rides to residents in care facilities. I can already imagine the smiles on their faces as they experience the freedom of a ride.
I had no idea how much joy it would bring, not just to others, but to me as well.
Being a trishaw pilot has been life-changing. It’s deepened my empathy and made me feel more connected to my community. Every ride is a reminder of how powerful human connection can be and how much joy there is in giving back.
For many years my Dad and I would cycle all over the city. Often doing gruelling hills rides or riding to Mandurah.
When my dad was 69 he was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. Over the next few years we were still able to ride most days. However, a noticeable decline in his balance and reaction time eventually made it too dangerous for Dad to continue riding.
For a very active, confident and competitive person this had a huge impact on my Dad’s life. He soon became a recluse as he was too embarrassed to go out in public due to his tremors. This was the hardest thing to see.
I was watching The Project one night and they had a feature item about the Cycling Without Age program over east. I immediately wanted to be involved in this incredible organisation.
A quick Google search found that I had a chapter just down the road from me in Sorrento. A quick email was sent to the charity providing the service. I was then being trained up as a pilot.
Dad initially wasn’t keen on coming for a ride with me, stating “I don’t like people organising my day for me!” But after one adventure down the coast with me he was hooked.
What an incredible way to get the lonely, the isolated, connected back with community.
Dad is now in a nursing home. However, he always looks forward to the days where I get to bust him out for a morning ride.
Most importantly, when he is out on the bike, is the only time that Dad’s tremors cease. This, in itself, shows just how powerful the impact the rides, the connection to community, the connection to memories, have on our most vulnerable in our community.
I will be forever grateful of Motion By The Ocean Inc for being able to give something so wonderful back to my Dad and also to me. Dad and I can ride again.
As a previous volunteer, I can’t recommend this free experience enough!!
This is no ordinary ride as it helps connect people, allowing them to feel inclusive and accepted.
As a former volunteer, it’s always been very humbling, as every time, without fail, it allowed me to experience meaningful moments in the lives of extraordinary people.
My wife Deb and I have been volunteering for Cycling Without Age Sorrento, a service that provides for the elderly and those less mobile. Our rides allow them to get out in the open air and get the wind in their hair and sun on their faces. We have loved doing this every time. Absolutely.
Nellie, on the right in the photo, is a spritely 103. Her friend Judy accompanied Nellie on her first ever ride. As we rode along, Judy described the ride to Nellie. I wondered why. I then learnt that Nellie is visually impaired.
As Judy held Nellie’s hand in hers, Judy described the grass on the right, the trees on the left and the big beautiful houses over the road. As the colour of the ocean came into view Nellie said that she could smell the ocean. I realised then, that I was seeing my ride from a different perspective. And I loved it.
Moments like these are why I do this. Priceless and another life lesson!
Therese tried to pat all the dogs we passed.
Today, the sun shone brightly. There was a sense of giddy in the air.
I had a fantastic ride with 91-year-old Therese and her lovely granddaughter.
Therese tried to pat all the dogs we passed. At the end they got double trouble!
I just love our community.
Rochelle — volunteer pilot
With my passengers Saphrah and her carer Wayan, we successfully completed a marathon Mullaloo to Burns Beach ride, which gave us a great opportunity to test some newly-completed sections of path.
The new paths are ultra smooth but some of the old concrete sections are quite bumpy much to the delight of Saphrah who loves the odd bump!
Once past the lookout just north of Mullaloo, the stunning coastline really opens up and comes alive. It’s really worth pushing north.
Saphrah smiled and loved every minute of the light morning breeze and fresh sea air. Some steep hills that way… a jogger did offer to push us up mid-climb, but with some good leg power and cheating from the electric assist, we managed it. We had a well-earned water at Burns Beach before heading back to Mullaloo for ride debrief and finally a relaxing coffee on the grass.
An exceptional ride today, that beautifully celebrates our magnificent coast. I am looking forward to offering this section of path as a permanent addition to an already popular route out of Sorrento.
As a citizen I believe those who have the capacity, have a moral responsibility to volunteer for the community.
For me though, it goes way beyond any obligation, because of the joy that volunteering brings. Whether it be timekeeper at Parkrun, treasurer on the school P&C or a coach of my son’s football side.
Being a pilot of the Sorrento Trishaw has been the most special, simply because it’s a smile machine. From pedestrians to passengers, or the wonderful staff at Canteen Trigg and White Salt, it’s the best experience.
The grandad with dementia was a brilliant passenger. As his granddaughter cringed in the seat next to him, he cheerily greeted every individual along the route, and everyone responded and rewarded with the widest grin.
It’s a special service and I am proud to be part of such a wonderful team
As an amateur cyclist I always enjoyed heading out for a ride along West Coast Highway. One day my cycling buddy and I spotted this funny looking bike — the trishaw — taking its lucky passengers for a breath of fresh air along our spectacular ocean-front promenade.
Not long after, we approached the person in charge, Alanagh and discovered “Cycling without Age”. I instantly fell in love with the initiative, allowing those in our community who cannot ride themselves an opportunity to experience a sidewalk-cruise along our pretty strip of coastline.
Cycling without Age is no ordinary ride, it helps connect people, allowing them to feel inclusive and accepted. To me it’s always very humbling, as every time, without fail, it allows me to experience meaningful moments in the lives of extraordinary people.
Whilst at my day job I met John. After realising John doesn't get out too much, I offered him a ride on the Trishaw where I volunteer as a pilot/rider. John has not looked back and is now a regular.
When I learned he had a birthday coming up, a ride was organised to celebrate. John got dressed up for the event and wore a big smile for the entire ride. When passing pedestrians got wind it was his birthday, John was greeted with birthday wishes for the entire ride.
John was born in the UK in 1933. He was a school teacher, and at the age of 42 moved to Australia with his young family. They travelled here by boat, John educating his children on the voyage across. He continued his teaching career in Australia, buying a block of land in Hillarys and building a home in 1982, where he still lives today.
John is a well-known member of the Whitfords Catholic Church community, and attends church every weekend. Apart from his outings to church, he is unable to get out and about much, so his coastal rides and coffee are a big highlight on his calendar.
Here we have photos of John and Renee having their morning tea celebration, hosted by our friends at White Salt Cafe and Restaurant.
