Free bikes to tempt commuters to saddle up

COMMUTERS are to be offered a free bicycle with a year’s servicing and support as part of a project to get 800 people cycling to work every day.

Sheffield has been chosen as a pilot city for the BikeBoost scheme, which is being run by York-based Get Cycling with support from the city council and local pressure groups.

The 800 people who sign up to the scheme, which begins immediately, will be assessed for their suitability, and organisers said bikes would also be available for people with disabilities.

Those involved must agree to use pedal power for at least half of their journeys to work, and council chiefs hope the project will lead to a permanent reduction in city centre car journeys.

The managing director of Get Cycling, Jim McGurn, said Sheffield had been chosen as one of the first cities to take part because of council support and backing from the city’s cycle charity, Pedal Ready.

The city council’s transport spokesman, Coun Ian Auckland, said: “We are committed to encouraging more people to choose the healthy option of cycling to work whenever possible. It not only helps with their personal fitness, but a healthy workforce means less sick leave and it’s great for the environment too. I hope many businesses will support the scheme.”

Cash and equipment for the project will be provided by Sheffield Council and Get Cycling and participants will be able to purchase their bikes for good when the scheme ends if they wish.

They will also be entitled to two hours of free cycle training provided by Pedal Ready. It is hoped that if the BikeBoost scheme is successful, it will be picked up by other cities in the region and across the country.

More information on how to sign up is available from Get Cycling on 01904 778080.