Scottish Government launches Cycle Repair Scheme

08.00 | 4 August 2020 |

A new £1.5 million fund has been set up to help cyclists in Scotland get their bikes professionally repaired.

Under the Cycle Repair Scheme, participating retailers will provide free bike repair and maintenance work up to a value of £50.

The Scottish Government hopes the scheme, delivered by Cycling UK, will help maintain the positive increase in the numbers of people cycling since the outbreak of Covid-19.

A similar scheme was launched in England last week.

Primarily, the Scottish scheme is aimed at people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford these repairs.

It covers all cycles including tandems, trikes, handcycles, non-standard and adapted bikes. People who use manual wheelchairs are also eligible to access free repairs.

Almost 100 bike shops – from Shetland to Dumfries – are already signed up to the scheme, with many more expected to join in the coming days.

The free repairs are available on a first come basis until the £1.5 million fund has been exhausted.

Michael Matheson, cabinet secretary for transport, said: “The Scotland Cycle Repair Scheme is a critical part of our COVID-19 response and a key element in our wider green recovery.

“This step will help encourage older bikes back onto our roads and onto the new temporary infrastructure that local authorities have delivered through the Spaces for People initiative.

“At the same time, this will keep the many people who have rediscovered cycling during the lockdown period on their bikes through the winter. 

“I’m pleased to see the increases in cycling and I’m confident active travel will play a big part in helping to manage demand on our public transport network.”


 

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