Volunteer Cycle-Pilots

Join our friendly crew

[Note: Volunteers operate only on Elder Care Home rides. For our other, separate ‘All-Ages’ service, our staff train carers to pilot rides].

We have 4 Volunteer Cycle-Pilot intakes per year for our Elder Care Home service.

Consistently minimum 50% Women Cycle-Pilots. All trikes electric assist, training and ongoing support plus 3 pilot socials a year.

Requirements: Regular, confident cyclist already. Over 21 years old. Flexibly available for one of: Mon-Weds (these days only) to pilot cycle rides every 2-3 weeks. Must live in Brighton & Hove, this is for distance/arriving reliably on time by bike and knowing local routes.

Always keen to hear from prospective volunteers hello@pedalpeople.org.uk

Scroll down for pilot stories

+ whole crew photos

Charmaine - Volunteer since 2020

We cycle out with elders, many living with dementia– it could be the only time they’re outdoors all week or even all month. Your world gets smaller as you get older and it makes a huge difference to get out and see stuff you’ve been able to see all your life. I cycled with one gentleman who was blind, so I explained to him as we went what I could see. He told me about his youth and a particular beach groyne he used to jump off as a kid. So I made sure we got there and took a picture of him just above it, so he could show his family.

People want to stop and talk to the participants, to find out if they’re having a good time.. Everyone just gets it and loves it; lots of people are touched by dementia in some way. It’s not just the participants but all of us pilots who feel better for doing it.

Derek - Volunteer since 2020

I enjoyed the training given, particularly learning about dementia. In my opinion the organisation is very professional which gives me the skills and confidence to support the elders.

The smiles, positive feedback from the elders, their relatives and the public that see us, makes me very happy.

It’s great being outside and riding all year round; we seldom cancel a ride except in extreme weather. Conversing with the elders as they chat and reminisce is a privilege and pleasure. I think I might get as much out of our rides as the elders do!

It’s a chance to get out of their care home and feel the wind, the sun (and occasionally the rain) on their faces. It gets them into the wider community where they can interact with others. There is always something different to see and they enjoy chatting with us, each other and the smiles and waves from the public as we ride along.

Rachel Volunteer since 2017

I just love talking to our participants. It’s a great to see not just their faces, but the joy we bring to everyone else we meet. Learning about dementia, how it works and impacts each person has been interesting. Once I was cycling with this lovely gentleman past King Alfred and he told me how he used to go with his wife ballroom dancing there. Some people have war stories, many remember The Grand Hotel bombing. It’s really interesting, but gradually, we’re losing those stories from our collective memory. They’re so grateful to be out, by the sea. My kids think it’s cool; when they were younger we used to take them to Autumn Lodge care home for a party pilots were invited to.

Tony Volunteer since 2020

It is well-organised, with excellent communication, making it easy. The booking app is simple, and working in pairs is a bonus—I've met fantastic fellow pilots.

Spending time with our elders is incredibly rewarding; I've learned so much about their fascinating lives, backgrounds, and careers. Interacting with people of all generations, from children to elders, broadens my horizons and perspectives.

For many elders, getting out is a rare treat, and the rides become mini-adventures. Their appreciation after each outing is heartwarming. It's also fun to connect with passers-by, especially dog lovers.

Having dementia in my family, I see the immense mental health benefits of doing activities outside the home.

Meet the Crew

Volunteering enquiries

hello@pedalpeople.org.uk