- Welcome to Chat-e-Cycle
Listen to the Chat-e-Cycle team speaking live about the project on BBC Radio Somerset here
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0c07pws
Hello and thank you so much for taking an interest in Chat-e-Cycle!
My name is Kate, I'm a Physiotherapist by background, and have been working with older people in the NHS for a large part of my recent career.
All too often my patients warn me to not grow old - and my work has no doubt taught me that older age can come with it's challenges, from the physical effects of ageing to the loss of driving and social isolation. Of course, this is not true for everyone, but Chat-e-Cycle hopes to support those who do experience these challenges in older age.
Chat-e-Cycle started as a master's project while studying an MSc in Disability, Design and Innovation, but it has grown into so much more. I am passionate about seeing how far an accessible cycle ride could go in helping shape the future of healthy ageing and advocate for inclusion within our rural communities. I grew up in the countryside of Somerset, and although beautiful, I know it wasn't designed with older age in mind.
It's time for us all to start thinking about creating an accessible future for our families, friends, communities and ultimately ourselves.
Despite being repeatedly advised against it, growing old seems to still be the best option available - so why not make it fun?
Pictured above:
- Stella Geach - Chat-e-Cycle ambassador
- Kate Mattick - Chat-e-Cycle founder
What is chat-e-cycle
Chat-e-Cycle is a side-by-side electric tandem Cycle that offers an accessible, active and environmentally-friendly transport option within rural communities.
The side-by-side design of the tandem trike provides the opportunity for 2 cyclists to chat while cycling along. The electric function makes hills and country lanes a breeze and means the riders have the power to exert themselves as much or as little as they want.
But, Chat-e-Cycle dreams of being more than just a bike ride. It is a service centered around harnessing community spirit to tackle social isolation and increase physical activity.
Local residents are at the heart of the design and can help shape where the bike stored, how it can be used and where it goes. The comfortable and social design of the cycle has been developed with older adults in mind, but ultimately this is a service for everyone and anyone.
The pilot project - setting the wheels in motion:
Chat-e-Cycle is currently planning to launch a pilot project in Chilcompton, Somerset in August 2022. This pilot project will be using the Van Raam Fun2Go tandem (pictured below) with a simple booking and rental system.
The vision is for this pilot project to be the first building block towards a Chat-e-Cycle future, with a vision for expansion throughout Somerset and beyond. The pilot is crucial to the co-development of both the physical bike and implementing service. We want, and need, the feedback of potential users and rural residents in shaping the future design. This is a cycle system that is designed for the community, with the community.
Some specifics:
The electric tandem can go wherever a standard bike goes. The electric function means you don't have to over-exert yourself and will accommodate all levels of fitness. One person is the "pilot" who will steer the tandem and control the electric power. The "co-pilot" can sit back and enjoy the ride and contribute to the pedaling as much or as little as they want to.
Well you've got this far, so what next?
Chat-e-Cycle needs your support
The response to Chat-e-cycle has been amazing so far. The concept has been recognized through:
- Winner of the 2020 RSA student design awards, sponsored by the National Innovation Centre for Ageing
- UnLtd*Award winner 2022, the UK foundation for social entrepreneurs.
But this is just the start of the Chat-e-cycle journey...
The Crowdfunder
This initial crowdfunding campaign seeks to raise £15,000 to purchase our first accessible tandem and to get the pilot scheme up and running. Estimated costs for the project are as follows:
- Purchase of customized accessible E-bike £12,000
- Website and booking system development £1,000
- Insurance, legal advice and administration £3,000
The team will run Chat-e-Cycle through Chat-e-Cycle Ltd. Funds raised through this crowdfunder will primarily be used to fund the purchase of the Van Raam Fun2Go tandem e-bike, as well for website development, marketing, insurance and administration.
For those interested in getting involved we are taking bookings for the pilot project in August 2022. If you, your relative or someone you know living within, or around the Chilcompton area would be interested in having a go or volunteering as the cycle pilot then do not hesitate to get in touch now.
For questions and enquires please contact Kate at [email protected]
Thanks for your support, let's get Chat-e-Cycle on the road!