Dundee cyclists who suffer the curse of the flat tyre may have been casting a jealous eye at London in recent months.
That’s because the capital had become the first UK city to offer residents the use of an unusual vending machine: one containing bike inner tubes.
Now Dundee is set to follow suit, with the first facility in Scotland to be introduced at Dundee University.
Bosses there are working to create a “zero-emission” university and, in addition to introducing electric vehicles and recycling initiatives, are backing bikes.
A range of initiatives will be introduced in the coming months to support staff and students and Dundee’s wider cycling public.
New bike shelters will be the first of the additions but the university also plans to create a bike repair hub, which should open in July.
It will offer 24/7 access to a bike stand, a variety of cycling tools, a cycling noticeboard and that innovative inner tube vending machine.
The machines typically refurbished cigarette machines or converted traditional vending machines have already proved a real hit with cyclists outwith Scotland. Dundee’s version has cost the university £1,200 and will dispense tubes for £7, though it hopes to override that to charge just £5.
One city cyclist said of the repair hub: “It should be a big help. Not everyone knows how to carry out basic maintenance and, even if they do, having to carry spares tubes and tools can put people off.
“Having everything in one place should encourage more people to give cycling a go.”