Free bikes for low income city families
BIKES will be gifted to children from low income families thanks to a funding boost for a West End charity. Bike For Good has been awarded cash from the SCVO Wellbeing Fund, which was set up to provide support for organisations providing services to those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
One family, who asked not to be named, said: “Before we got the bikes my kids were constantly asking for me to buy them one so they could learn but I couldn’t afford it.
“I was always having to encourage them to come out for a walk to exercise but they were never that keen.
“They just wanted to stay in and play in the house. It meant family time outside was often difficult.
“These bikes mean we can go outside and exercise together as a family.”
The charity already supports adults on low incomes with access to a bike, through its social inclusion project Bikes for All which provides heavily discounted memberships and free rides on Glasgow nextbikes.
However, the project is only available in adult size, leading the charity to spot a gap in services.
Bike For Good has been overwhelmed with requests for the service and has urged those who can to donate bikes to be passed on.
Kimberley White, from the charity, said: “Bike sales have boomed during lockdown, but it didn’t feel right to us that there were kids from low income families missing out on the joy of riding a bike, simply because they couldn’t afford to buy one.
“Children are developing serious mental health conditions as a result of this pandemic, and riding a bike gets them out with their friends, releasing endorphins and having fun.
“Everyone should have access to a bike, and we are genuinely honoured to do our bit to help little ones during this testing time.”
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson recently visited the Revolve-certified site, which guarantees high-quality second-hand items, to launch the Scotland Cycle Repair Scheme.
Those wishing to donate a bike or who know a family who could benefit can contact wheelbeing@bike forgood.org.uk.
Children are developing serious mental health conditions