Cycle loan scheme for Hillingdon

People who live, study or work in the London Borough of Hillingdon have been discovering the benefits of cycling regularly thanks to Hillingdon Council’s cycle loan scheme. Hillingdon Council launched the scheme in March 2014 and so far it has given 59 people the chance to find out if bike ownership suits them. They each paid £20 to loan a bike, as well as safety equipment including helmets and hi-vis belts, for one month. When they collect their bike they are also given information about cycle training and guided rides in the borough. Once the month is over they can either give back the bike or choose to buy it at cost price. Since the scheme began, 17 people have chosen to buy the bikes. Cllr Keith Burrows, Cabinet Member for Planning, Transportation and Recycling, said: “People across the borough are using our cycle loan scheme and realising the positive impact cycling can have on their lives. If you would like to do more exercise, spend time outdoors or try a different way to commute, riding a bike could be perfect for you. If you would like to borrow a bike from the council, please do get in touch.” Ayomi Gure, 38, a resident from north Hillingdon who bought her bike through the cycle loan scheme, said: “I had so much fun with my two young children, exploring Hillingdon on our bikes. “We discovered places we had never noticed before. I enjoyed it so much that deciding to buy the bike I had borrowed through the council’s cycle loan scheme was easy. Now I have become so much more confident, I can keep up with my children! We have great outings on our bikes and my husband is now looking to buy one too.” To register interest in borrowing a bike from the council through the cycle loan scheme, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/cycling