Free rides along the Royal Canal
Hop aboard our electric trishaw and let a trained volunteer pilot take you and a companion along the canal. You don't need to be able to cycle — just come along for the ride.
Rides run Saturdays, Sundays & bank holidays, from Maynooth University.
A trishaw is a comfortable three-wheeled electric bike. Two passengers sit side by side on a forward-facing bench, taking in the view —
while a friendly, trained pilot does the pedalling behind them. It's part of Cycling Without Age, a worldwide movement that brings the simple joy of cycling back to people who can no longer ride on their own.
Two easy ways to book
Whether it's for one person or a whole afternoon of residents, we'll match you with an available pilot and confirm a day.
Run a care home, day centre or active-retirement group? We'll bring the trishaw to your residents or members and arrange the rides — one conversation sorts out a whole afternoon, and a regular slot if you'd like one.
Arrange a group visitWould you, a parent, a neighbour or a friend enjoy a ride? Send us a quick request and we'll match you with a pilot, then ring to confirm a day that suits. Bring a companion along too.
Request a rideWhat to expect
There's nothing to arrange and nothing to carry. You arrive, settle onto the bench, and your pilot takes care of the rest.
Book a free ridePeace of mind
Who it's for
Cycling Without Age is for older people and anyone who can no longer cycle on their own — including people with mobility or disability needs. You'll need to be able to transfer onto the bench with a little help, and a companion is always welcome.
New this year: we're adding a wheelchair trailer so riders can stay in their own wheelchair, plus Trail-Gator tow-bars to help children cycle alongside the family.
For care homes, day centres & carers
The trishaw is perfect for residents and members who'd love to get outdoors but can't manage it alone. We come to you, and we can set up a regular day so it becomes something to look forward to.
Tell us about your group — how many people, and whether anyone uses a wheelchair.
We match your group to our trained pilots and pick a regular slot that works for you.
Our volunteers arrive with the trishaw and take your residents out, one ride at a time.
Request a ride
Fill in a few details and a volunteer will ring you to confirm a day. There's no payment and no obligation — just a friendly chat to set up your free ride.
Email maynoothcycling@gmail.com, or call into Maynooth Library on Main Street and the staff will book a ride on your behalf.
A Maynooth Cycling Campaign volunteer will call you to confirm a day for your free ride. Keep an eye on your phone over the next few days.
Looking forward to seeing you on the canal!
Good to know
Not at all. You simply sit back on the bench and enjoy the ride — your pilot does all the pedalling, helped by an electric motor.
Rides are completely free. If you'd like to support the campaign you're welcome to make a small donation, but it's never expected.
Local volunteers who have been trained and are insured to carry passengers. Training is required for everyone's safety.
Riders need to be able to transfer onto the bench with a little help. We're also adding a wheelchair trailer so riders can stay in their own wheelchair — mention this in your request and we'll arrange it.
Rides run on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays. We meet at the River Apartments in Maynooth University, in front of the tallest building, and ride along the Royal Canal greenway.
We'd love to hear from you. Email maynoothcycling@gmail.com and we'll tell you about training and getting involved.
The story
Cycling Without Age began in Copenhagen in 2012, when Ole Kassow started offering free trishaw rides to people in a local nursing home. The idea — that everyone has the right to wind in their hair — spread across the world, and today there are thousands of trishaws in more than 50 countries.
Clara Clarke brought it to Ireland in 2017, and there are now more than 60 trishaws around the country. Maynooth Cycling Campaign runs ours as part of our wider work to make everyday cycling safe and welcoming for everyone in the town.
With thanks to Kildare Sports Partnership, Kildare County Council and Healthy Ireland for helping us buy the trishaw, and to Maynooth University for keeping it safe and dry between rides.
