With the support of Széchenyi István University and the involvement of its students, the ‘Cycling Without Age’ (Biciklivel kortalanul) programme has been launched in Hungary with the aim of promoting quality of life, mental well-being and social connection among older people. The first Hungarian stop of the initiative, which is already operating in 41 countries, was on 24 June at the Győr campus and the neighbouring Kálóczy Square Retirement Home. 

The international non-profit project called Cycling Without Age started in Copenhagen in 2012 and now operates in 41 countries with more than 3,500 local organisations, 6,000 rickshaws and 43,000 trained volunteers, who have provided more than 5 million trips for 1.5 million people. The programme has recently been launched in Hungary on the initiative of the We Are of One Blood (Egy Vérből Vagyunk) Foundation, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, the active involvement of Széchenyi István University and the cooperation of the Integrated Health and Social Care Institution in Győr. The essence of the programme is that elderly people can sit on a special bicycle, or rickshaw, which is driven by volunteers, and set off together on an adventure-filled tour.

Dr Zsolt Kovács, Vice President for General and Educational Affairs at Széchenyi István University, Dr Angéla Somogyi, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences, Róbert Kányai, Director of the Integrated Health and Social Care Institution in Győr , Dr Ferenc Friedler, Rector of the University, Vice-President for Scientific Affairs, and student representatives met with Dr Balázs Hankó, Minister for Culture and Innovation, Angéla Gui, founder of the programme and the We Are of One Blood Foundation, and Imréné Major, the first participant in the Cycling Without Age programme. (Photo: Máté Dudás)

"At first glance, the special bicycle next to me may not seem that special, but when one or two elderly people sit on it and set off with the help of a volunteer, a magical bubble forms around them. The aim is to bring our lonely fellow human beings living in nursing homes back to an active life. We have seen this miracle happen during the test rides we have conducted over the past few days with the residents of the Kálóczy Square Retirement Home," said Angéla Gui, founder of the programme and the We Are of One Blood Foundation, at the event in Győr. She added that these cycling experiences can contribute to improving the mood of the elderly and the mental state of those living with dementia, as well as promoting dialogue between generations. 

Róbert Kányai, director of the Integrated Health and Social Care Institution in Győr, praised the close partnership with Széchenyi István University and the collaboration that led to the launch of the program, which aims to improve the quality of life of elderly people living in Győr. "When the first trial runs took place, all doubts quickly disappeared. It became clear how much it means to the residents of the home to feel that they are still important to society," he emphasized. He added that the program is not only a great help to the elderly, but also to social care professionals in their work.

The program kicked off amid keen interest at the Széchenyi István University campus in Győr. (Photo: Máté Dudás)

At the official opening ceremony, Dr Balázs Hankó, Minister of Culture and Innovation, said that one of the driving forces behind the renewal of Hungarian universities was to forge closer ties between society and universities, so that students would not only have strong practical skills but also broad knowledge in other areas of life. "This includes, among other things, the launch of initiatives such as the Cultural Credit Program, which also promotes intergenerational cooperation. The active participation of young people gives new strength to older people," he emphasized. He added that volunteers in the "Cycling Without Age" program are able to help others while becoming stronger and more socially sensitive themselves. "I would like to thank the University of Győr for supporting this noble cause, the students for their involvement, and Angéla Gui for her initiative, which has enabled us to take another step towards our goals," said the minister, who helped organize the first "Cycling Without Age" ride, whose first passenger was 88-year-old Imréné Major.

Dr Balázs Hankó, Minister of Culture and Innovation, Gui Angéla, initiator of the program, and the first passenger, Imréné Major, tried out the special vehicle around Széchenyi István University. (Photo: Máté Dudás)

Dr Zsolt Kovács, Vice President for General and Educational Affairs at Széchenyi István University, explained that, in addition to training and research, the institution also considers its third mission to be of paramount importance. "That is why we participate in numerous programs that strengthen our social engagement. As part of this, we supported the launch of the "Cycling Without Age" program in Hungary and enable our students to join as volunteers," he said. Young people can acquire the skills they need to participate through "volunteer training" and "mentoring courses" at the institution.

At the event, it was announced that, in addition to students from Győr, anyone who would like to join the initiative as a volunteer is welcome to apply. Further details about the program and how to join can be found on the "Biciklivel kortalanul" (Cycling Without Age) website.

Students from Széchenyi István University are also volunteering in the program. In the photo, Dávid Vályi Nagy, president of the Student Union, and Ágnes Etelka Sáray, member of the Student Union, accompany the rickshaw passenger. (Photo: Máté Dudás)