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London offers free bike loans for disabled people

A pioneering bike loan scheme in London promises to greatly improve access to active transport.

The Wheels4MeLondon initiative, launched earlier this month, offers free bike loans for disabled people across the capital.

Available loan models include upright trikes and semi-recumbent trikes, though the fleet will be expanded to include a wider variety.

The service begins with a consultation session to ensure participants are assigned the right bike and receive the right support.

The bikes are delivered free of charge and users receive a training session tailored to their specific needs, insurance against theft and damage, and collection once the month is up.

The bikes can be delivered to any London borough. Users must be over 18.

The program is a funded by the Motability Foundation and is a joint venture between Wheels for Wellbeing, Peddle My Wheels and Sustrans.

Sustrans’ latest Walking and Cycling index, the largest independent survey of active travel in the UK, found that 27% of disabled people do not ride a bike but would like to. It also found that 25% of all respondents said access to an adapted bike, like a tricycle or handcycle, would help them ride more.

“Offering practical cycling options for disabled people, through non-standard cycle loans and supported training, is key to ensuring that cycling is accessible to everyone,” says Will Norman, London Walking and Cycling Commissioner.

“I hope that through this exciting initiative more people will feel confident to try cycling and acquire the skills to help make active travel a part of their everyday lives in our city.”

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