A pilot scheme to get older and less mobile people active and out in the fresh air using a side-by-side tandem bike, will be launched in Chilcompton this summer.

Chat-e-cycle is the brainchild of physiotherapist Kate Mattick, who came up with the idea while studying for her Masters in Disbaility, Design and Innovation.

She said, "The way I describe it is that it's a tuk-tuk meets a side-by-side bicycle, but with the electric element to help manage hills etc.

"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. 

"The idea of a Chat-e-Cycle is that it is a side-by-side electric tandem bike, that allows both riders to be active participants, to whatever extent they want and feel able. And the design means that there can be social interaction too.

"The bike is accessible, so people can get easily on and off. It's targeted at people who might not be able to walk far. In fact, some people who find it difficult to walk might find it easier to pedal."

The pilot scheme will be running in Chilcompton – where Kate grew up, and she is keen for as many residents as possible to get involved and give their input.

"I want residents to come and have a go and try it out. And I want to hear from them about how they would want to use it," she said. "Is it going to be a service that's mostly about getting people out in the fresh air, or could it be used more as a transport option for getting to the shops etc.

"Ultimately, this is about building an inclusive future in our rural communities."

If the pilot scheme proves successful, Kate hopes that it will eventually be rolled out to rural communities all over the country.

Kate's grandmother, Stella Geach from Stratton-on-the-Fosse, has been supporting Kate's endeavour. "I think we are going to reincarnate the bath chair!" she said. "This is all about keeping as active as we can and meeting friends and family. So many of us are stuck at home and we don't see people for weeks on end."

Kate Mattick and her granmother, Stella Geach

The plan is to use a bike that already exists for the pilot – a Van Raam Fun2Go – and then to gain feedback from participants in the pilot scheme to see how it could be further developed to meet the needs of the community we well as possible. But Kate needs the funds to buy the initial bike, and has set up a Crowdfunder to help raise the cash.

There will be a coffee and drop-in afternoon from 2pm-5pm on May 8 at Chilcompton Village Hall for people to come and find out more about the project.

Anyone who would like to give any input, or would like to find out any more information can also email Kate on [email protected].

Donations to the Crowdfunder can be made here.