Sustrans puts cycling on the map to help key workers saddle up

The walking and cycling charity Sustrans has compiled an interactive map to make cycling easier for key workers as they travel to and from work each day during Covid-19.

It shows offers on bike purchasing and hire, equipment, repairs and maintenance which are available to key workers in their local area.

Sustrans Scotland director, Karen McGregor, said: “It’s fantastic to see how the cycling industry has come together to support the people who are working so hard to get us through this crisis.

"The online map was created with the needs of key workers in mind and we hope it will prove useful for everyone needing to cycle to work, be it an experienced commuter who may need a spare part, or a novice who needs access to a cycle.

“In the Covid-19 crisis, cycling can offer a healthy and convenient transportation alternative for key workers.

"And so long as the 2m social distancing rule is observed, it can help them keep a safe physical distance from others. An average commute is 5 miles - a distance that with the right infrastructure in place can be easily cycled in less than 30 minutes.

"The UK Government has recognised the role cycling can play in helping key workers travel in these challenging times, and we hope this will inspire long-term funding for better walking and cycling infrastructure that Scotland needs.”

· Free membership to Nextbike for NHS staff. Includes unlimited 30 minute rides on Nextbikes standard pedal bikes and £2.50 credit for e-bikes.

· Cycling UK is offering free membership to all NHS staff. This includes free third party insurance and access to the Cycling UK legal advice service.

· Free Brompton bike hire using the app for NHS workers. Sign up to the app and use code Wheels4NHS using NHS email account.

· Virtual Dr Bike from the Bike Project thebikeproject.co.uk

· NHS Discounts www.healthstaffdiscounts.co.uk · Edinburgh Bike Co-op shops are offering free puncture repairs to all NHS workers, including free inner tube and 50% off servicing.

· Edinburgh Festival of Cycling have an Urban Arrow Cargo bike free to hire for third sector organisations involved in key work.

· Belhaven Bikes, East Lothian: are providing a 'Cycling Care Package' including a free bike service to all key workers.

· Leith Cycle Co, Edinburgh: Free bicycle repair for NHS staff in the area with priority booking. Call to book an appointment.

· Soul Cycles, Edinburgh: Reconditioned 2nd hand bikes, new bikes and custom builds. Offering discounts to NHS staff on a case by case basis.

· East Side Bikes, Edinburgh: 20% discount for NHS staff across the whole shop.

· Harts Cyclery, Edinburgh: Offering key workers priority and speedy servicing.

· Edinburgh Cycle Company Ltd: Free bike service and free lights, helmets and jacket courtesy of Madison. Just show your ID.

· Bike Station (Edinburgh): The Bike Station is offering free recycled bikes for key workers, priority will be given to Edinburgh residents.

www.sustrans.org.uk/campaigns/cycles-for-keyworkers/