The Way to Go Sustainable Travel team at Suffolk County Council (SCC) has launched a new accessible cycling scheme at Leading Lives Stowmarket Hub. A number of community groups from across the county were invited to attend the launch and see for themselves the range of accessible bikes on offer.
Up to twelve adult bikes are available to loan for free, which is all part of SCC’s drive to encourage residents to travel sustainably, especially for shorter journeys. This follows a survey conducted earlier in the year which asked community groups and their members for feedback on whether they would use accessible bikes. The responses were overwhelmingly positive and the scheme will now give community groups the opportunity to hire the bikes up to three times a week for free.
The 12 bikes - which include 4-wheelers, balance-supported bikes, a tandem option as well as a 2-seater with the seats positioned next to each other - will be stored in Stowmarket and are funded through the Capability & Ambition Fund from Active Travel England, an executive agency of the Dept. for Transport. The team hope that community groups will book the bikes and introduce regular cycle rides for their members and carers.
Cllr Alexander Nicoll, Deputy Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy at Suffolk County Council, said:
“We know that cycling is beneficial to physical and mental health, and this new scheme not only promotes sustainable travel but also makes cycling a more inclusive activity, giving more residents the opportunity to enjoy the freedom of cycling.
“I would encourage anyone who feels they need some additional support to cycle - perhaps those with a visual impairment, for example - to contact their local community group and arrange to loan one of the bikes.”
