Wolfgang Buchholz: With the rickshaw for seniors through Potsdam!

Wolfgang Buchholz: With the rickshaw for seniors through Potsdam!

A new chapter of togetherness is being opened in Potsdam through the voluntary “Citizens’ Mobility” project. Wolfgang Buchholz, 73 years old, is one of the approximately 20 active drivers in the initiative, which has been offering free cycle rickshaw tours for seniors and people with disabilities since spring 2022. Two days a week he jumps into the saddle of his rickshaw and takes very old people through the city's historic streets. Passengers from the Emmaus House and Heilig-Geist-Park homes are often on board. MAZ reports that Buchholz, the oldest driver of the Bürgermobil after his mother died in 2021, shows great personal commitment. His passion for cycling and storytelling make the trips unforgettable for passengers.

The idea behind the “Citizens’ Mobile” is part of the global “Cycling without Age” project, which aims to enable mobility for older people and people with disabilities and restore the feeling of joy in life. A highlight: One of the rickshaws is specially designed for wheelchair users, which offers participants more opportunities for trips into the countryside. The Potsdam Community Foundation has called for support for volunteer drivers who would like to experience the city together with passengers as often as possible.

Creating shared experiences

As a rule, the faxies are controlled by two volunteer “pilots” who receive extensive training to ensure the safety of everyone involved. During these excursions, not only is the passengers' mobility increased, but their quality of life and fitness are also promoted. The example from Leipzig shows that the pilots not only cycle, but also ensure a relaxed, communicative atmosphere, which benefits older people. The project in Leipzig, for example, completed 800 tours last year, which shows how far-reaching the positive response to such initiatives is.

The citizens' mobile in Potsdam runs from April to October/November, and the community foundation already has plans to purchase a third rickshaw. They want to continue to enable more people to participate. “The need is great,” says a representative of the foundation, “especially in districts with many senior citizens’ facilities, where the offering is often inadequate.” In addition to the rickshaws, a wheelchair bike is also available to further improve accessibility.

In order to be able to continue the project and its valuable work, the community foundation is looking for financial support through sponsorships or recurring contributions. Anyone who is interested can contact us directly buergermobil@potsdamer-buergerstiftung.org or contact us at 0331/23180300.

With every trip, Buchholz not only brings seniors to their destination, but also stories, memories and, above all, a bit of joie de vivre back into their lives. As he says himself: “It makes me happy to help others and spend time together.” This turns a simple trip through Potsdam into a valuable experience that not only shows the walkers but also the city in a different light.