As a keen cyclist himself, Alistair became a volunteer Pilot in Aberdeen four years ago as he approached early retirement.

“I was looking for something to do to keep myself busy when I retired,” he explains. “I also wanted to do something that would get me outdoors and put something back into the community.”

Working in partnership with Sport Aberdeen, Cycling Without Age Scotland help people with limited mobility enjoy experiences they may otherwise not have the chance to. Passengers are taken to local parks, beaches and outdoor spaces in the city by volunteers such as Alistair where they enjoy rides on specially adapted Trishaw bikes and Wheelchair Transporters.

“I think it makes a really big difference to the people that we take out. A lot of them wouldn’t be able to get out otherwise because of their mobility issues, or they don’t have family or friends that are able to go along and take them out.”

Rides often bring back memories, stories and moments of connection for the people impacted – making the experience become something more than just simply getting outdoors.

“We get lots of smiles, laughter and singsongs. It also brings out a lot of memories for people from when they were younger. They tell us stories about what they did when they were younger, or if they’ve been cyclists themselves they tell us about bike journeys that they’ve been on.”

Alistair has since taken on an Ambassador role for Cycling Without Age Scotland in the North East, supporting the organisation’s growing network of local groups.

There are now 14 established Chapters across the region, with the Aberdeen volunteer community growing to almost 40 Pilots from a wide range of backgrounds.

Andrinne Craig, Healthy Communities Manager, Sport Aberdeen, said: “When Sport Aberdeen applied for funding to purchase the first trishaw in 2022, we hoped it would be the start of something that could make a real difference in our community.

“Alistair and the exceptional team of volunteers at Cycling Without Age Scotland – Aberdeen City have achieved that and so much more. They give their time to share their love of cycling and the outdoors with others and offer people with limited mobility an opportunity to experience the joy of cycling.

“The volunteers are a truly professional, friendly and compassionate group who make a real difference to people’s lives by encouraging social interaction and boosting health and wellbeing.”

For anyone considering volunteering, Alistair believes that there is no need to be an experienced cyclist. The electric-assisted bikes make cycling accessible and volunteers receive full training on using the bikes as well as safely loading and unloading passengers.

“You don’t need to be a really fit cyclist to be able to do this. We’re more concerned about people who are interested in other folk and doing something for them.”

Reflecting on his experience, Alistair says volunteering offers benefits for everyone involved: “It’s a fulfilling and enjoyable thing to do. Even if you can only give a little, that can make a huge difference to other people.”

To find out more about the organisation, and to get involved, visit their website at cwas.org

This article originally appeared in the September 2026 edition of ACVO News, our free monthly digital magazine for and from the the third sector in Aberdeen. Read the current and past editions, and sign up to our mailing list, at acvo.org.uk/acvo-news