A NEW cycling group in Musselburgh is continuing to go from strength to strength as the community rallies round with “overwhelming” support.

Cycling Without Age (CWA) Musselburgh – formed by firefighter and keen cyclist Ewan Dawson and his wife Morna – has just placed in order for a second trishaw thanks to a £2,000 donation from Musselburgh Charitable Trust.

Their first trishaw – a three-wheel cycle with cab – is now taking passengers out and about after a £3,500 cash boost from the Tranent-based Walk With Scott Foundation, which matched £3,500 in crowdfunding.

Affectionately known as ‘Bessie,’ the trike’s first passengers were Avril Reid and her mum Avril Glen who later said she felt like the Queen as she waved to motorists stuck in traffic!

They were waved off on an hour-and-a-half journey around the town from the Hollies Day Centre and back, where they then had a cup of tea.

A non-profit volunteer group, CWA, which was founded in Denmark in 2012, provides cycle pilots to take older people and care home residents out and about to feel the wind in their hair.

Mr Dawson, of Musselburgh, said trishaw number two could arrived in mid-June to join ‘Bessie.’

He said: “A project like this will only succeed if the whole community gets behind it. I think we’ve seen in only a few short months how well supported this actually is, through the astounding generosity and overwhelming support of the people of Musselburgh, the magnificent financial backing of organisations such as the Musselburgh Common Good Fund, the Walk With Scott Foundation, Musselburgh Charitable Trust and the Rotary Club of Musselburgh.

“We’d also like to thank East Lothian Council who have provided a secure storage place for the trishaw and continue to help us overcome obstacles with regards to physical routes for us to take Bessie and her passengers out.

“Without any of these people or organisations none of this would have happened so fast, and I think it speaks volumes to the community spirit here in Musselburgh this type of endeavour can harness.” He added: “Everyone at Cycling Without Age Musselburgh is incredibly proud to be a part of something which, we hope and believe, will make such a positive impact on the lives of people of Musselburgh.

“If you or someone you know would like a ride in Bessie call Liz/Angela at the Hollies on 0131 665 5613 to find a time that suits or get in touch via our Facebook page.”