Bristol-based charity, Life Cycle UK have stepped up their support for key workers by offering them a free “Silver” bike service. The charity was recently awarded funding from Cycling UK to help key workers avoid public transport, dust off their bikes and ride to work instead.
As people seek safer ways to commute and take advantage of quieter roads for exercise, bike workshops are running long waiting lists and stocks of bikes are being snapped up across the UK. After closing temporarily when lockdown was first announced, Life Cycle have been working hard to re-shape their services to support people through the COVID 19 crisis.
Key workers can make an appointment to drop off their bike at Life Cycle’s Horfield workshop, using their safe, “contact free” process. Life Cycle’s experienced mechanics will do up to £80 worth of work on each bike, which includes labour and a contribution towards parts. In most cases this will be more than enough to get bikes roadworthy and running smoothly again.
Key workers should apply for the scheme via Life Cycle’s website. https://bit.ly/bristol-bike-service
Ed Norton, Life Cycle’s Chief Executive, said:
“Many people are worried about using public transport and may want to avoid driving for environmental or cost reasons. Most everyday journeys are five miles or less – and people are often surprised at how easy it is to cycle this distance at a gentle pace. With all this in mind, there’s never been a better time to get your bike back into action. We are here to give peace of mind to anyone concerned about their bike’s safety or reliability - as well as helping them get maximum enjoyment out of it. We’re honoured to provide this service for our key workers”.
For Bristol-based key workers without a bike, Life Cycle is also offering £100 off the cost of one of their refurbished models – plus a free lock and lights – thanks to Bristol City Council’s “Wheels to Work” scheme. Details about how to apply are here: https://www.lifecycleuk.org.uk/bikes-key-workers-bristol
People who are cycling to stay healthy during lockdown can also make use of Life Cycle’s workshop. For full details, pricing and to book an appointment go to: https://bit.ly/bristol-bike-service
Life Cycle are keen to stress that they are following strict hygiene and safe systems of work protocols, including a contact-free service to customers. For this reason, their workshop is not open for drop-ins and all work is by appointment only.
Visit their website for more details: https://www.lifecycleuk.org.uk/