A Perth care worker has become the first to benefit from a new scheme giving away free bikes.
The Bike Station, which operates in Perth and Edinburgh, launched the Hero Bike scheme to help key workers travel safely.
Anyone who is a key worker – as defined by the UK government – can apply for a recycled bike to help them avoid public transport and decompress at the end of each shift.
Erin Tindal, who works in Perth, received the first Hero Bike. Erin originally borrowed her bike through the Social Cycle Project loan and she will now own it outright as a Hero Bike.
Using the Hero Bike more than halves her journey time to work on foot.
She said: “It was mostly out of necessity really that I wanted to cycle. I didn’t think I’d love it as much as I did. It’s amazing. I’ve been cycling in all weathers as well which has been fab”.
Sasha Taylor, chief executive of The Bike Station said: “Now more than ever our key workers need our support.
“We know bikes can help, by providing access to safe and affordable independent transport and just as importantly, a means to look after their own health and wellbeing.
“We’ve launched Hero Bikes to support our key workers who are giving their all to protect our communities”
Inspired by the scheme, Discovery Bicycle Tours, which runs cycling holidays in Scotland and across Europe, has donated its used fleet of touring bikes, which are now being refurbished under the scheme.
Scott Cone, of Discovery Bicycle Tours, said; “This is a great use of our bikes and we arranged a donation as soon as we heard about the scheme. We can’t wait to see key workers set up with their Hero Bikes”
To be eligible workers will need to provide proof of their role and be aged 16 or over. Priority will be given to residents of Perth and Edinburgh.
Fundraising is ongoing to expand the scheme to support as many key workers as possible. Anyone can donate to fund accessory packs for key workers and spare parts needed to refurbish second hand bikes.
Support Hero Bikes here: https://thebikestation.org.uk/help-our-heroes-support-hero-bikes/
