Cpuncil press release:

A free bike loan scheme supporting workers to save money and travel healthier is being rolled out across County Durham. 

Following the success of a pilot in Shildon last year, our Borrow a Bike scheme has now launched at Abbey Sports Centre in Pity Me, Durham, as part of Cycle September.

Travel actively and sustainably

Open to anyone who lives or works in Framwellgate Moor, Pity Me, Newton Hall and Brasside, it aims to support people returning to their workplace to travel actively and sustainably and improve their health and wellbeing.

The scheme offers residents a complimentary bike loan for three months alongside equipment, training and support for those wishing to improve their skills and confidence.

It is the first of four more sites set to open in the coming months, with the roll-out being funded as part of our action plan to tackle the Climate Emergency.

Borrow a Bike will also be further developed to include a wider range of bikes and more facilities at the collection and storage points.

‘A great way to improve physical health and mental wellbeing’

Physical activity officer, Stephen Clough, sustainable travel officer Victoria Lloyd-Gent and Cllr Mark Wilkes at the roll-out of the Borrow a Bike scheme

Cllr Mark Wilkes, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, said: “It is fantastic that more residents across County Durham are able to take part in the Borrow a Bike scheme. As part of our commitment to protecting the environment, we are determined to offer more sustainable travel options. Proven carbon savings were made in the pilot scheme in Shildon so I would strongly encourage residents to take up the offer and commute sustainably more widely across the county.”