Group help NHS workers get on their bike
An organisation dedicated to active travel is loaning out a fleet of electric bikes so that NHS essential staff can get to and from work.
The Active Travel Hub Ayr, which is based in Smith Street, want to ease the burden on NHS staff trying to get to and from their daily shifts.
With the current UK lockdown still in force and with it restrictions on travel and reduced public transport, the Hubs’ offer of a bike could be the answer to the prayers of many an NHS employee.
The scheme is also in operation for NHS essential staff in the Kilmarnock area.
The idea is that employees can get to their work on time safely and get fit at the same time.
Fay Podger, Active Travel Hub Officer, ( Hubs), said: “We promote cycling and walking for everyday
journeys. We would normally deliver a programme of Instructor led walks/ rides and activities for the community and businesses. However, in light of the current COVID - 19 situation, it has stopped until further notice.
“Given that we have a fleet of electric bikes, we were keen to see these put to good use!”
The Active Travel Hubs in Ayr and Kilmarnock have recently deliveredwhilst observing safe distancing guidelines- 21 free electric bike loans to support NHS essential workers in East and South Ayrshire getting to/ from work.
Fay said: “Whilst the physical hubs are closed, the hub officers are available for personal travel plans and advice on walking and cycling as part of your once a day daily exercise.
“We are also offering free personal travel plans etc via Zoom etc.”
The Active Travel Hubs have been in operation for four years now and are a local authority project between East and South Ayrshire Councils, in Partnership with Sustrans.
The Ayr hub can be contacted either on facebook or by email Ayr Active Travel Hub:- @ ATHUBAYR or Activetravelhubayr@ gmail. com