Schemes offering free bikes and cycling support extended

A scheme that has so far provided more than 280 people with a free bike has been extended.

The continuation of the Bike Aid scheme, which offers key workers and people on a low income a free bike, will be funded by the Government’s Active Travel Fund.

Nottingham City Council secured just over £2m from the fund in November last year to spend on measures that will make walking and cycling easier, improve facilities for sustainable transport, and support a green recovery from Covid-19.

The funding will also be used to continue the Dr Bike scheme, which offers on-the-spot bike checks and basic repairs, and to offer accessible community-based cycle training sessions through Community Cycle Centres, which are seeing increased demand following the interest in cycling during the pandemic.

Portfolio Holder for Transport, Councillor Adele Williams, said: “We’re pleased to be able to continue running these successful schemes, which are proven to help people start cycling by addressing barriers such as access to a bike and low confidence.

“The cycle centres, Bike Aid scheme, and Dr Bike services, will support people to start cycling for short, local journeys, and potentially for commuting, which will help to manage capacity and enable social distancing as we see restrictions easing throughout the spring and summer.

“We’ve seen a huge increase in the number of people cycling since the first lockdown began more than a year ago, which is fantastic. Walking and cycling is not only better for health, it reduces congestion and improves air quality too.”

Delivered by Sustrans working with Ridewise and Nottingham Bike Works, the Bike Aid scheme will provide free bikes and safety kit for up to 200 more low wage and key workers.

To apply you must be:
• Living or working within the Nottingham city boundary
• Commuting to work
• Unable to access a car for this purpose
• On a low income (earning below the real living wage, or on a zero hour contract, for example)

Priority will be given to key workers on a low income.

To see if you could be eligible visit https://sustransaccess.org.uk/survey/

The Community Cycle Centres have been running since October 2017, and provide cycling advice and training for adults and families, particularly in areas with lower physical activity.