Free cycle repair scheme to keep Scotland pedalling ‘smoothly and safely’

11.38 | 9 August 2022 |

Around 30,000 thousand people across Scotland are set to benefit from the return of a scheme which provides free cycle repairs.

The Scotland Cycle Repair Scheme aims to encourage people to get old cycles out of storage and back in use, as well as to keep well-used machines pedalling smoothly and safely.

It offers repairs of up to £50 per person (or up to £100 for non-standard cycles) and is designed to be of particular help to those who would not otherwise be able to afford to get their bikes fixed.

All cycles are welcome on the Cycling UK scheme, including e-bikes, trikes, tandems, cargo bikes and recumbents. People who use manual wheelchairs are also eligible to access free repairs.

Suzanne Forup, Cycling UK’s head of development for Scotland, said: “This scheme will once again fix the nation’s flat tyres and loose brakes, to get people on their bikes. 

“Whether it’s nipping to the shops or commuting to work, cycling boosts people’s physical health, wellbeing and is great for the environment. 

“As we face a cost-of-living crisis and rising fuel prices, we know that some people are looking to cycling as an affordable alternative to driving, especially for shorter journeys. This scheme will help people to make that change and feel all the benefits that cycling brings.

The scheme was first launched by Cycling UK in 2020, thanks to funding from the Scottish Government.

So far, it has provided more than 50,000 repairs, carried out by 310 cycle repair providers.

In the first phase of the scheme, 77% of participants used their repaired cycles for journeys previously done by car.

Suzanne Forup added: “We’re proud to once again be working with hundreds of fantastic Scottish bike shops and mechanics – many of which are independent local businesses – to get thousands of people pedalling.”


 

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