Lewisham Cycle Loan Scheme
Are you contemplating about taking up cycling but aren’t sure? Do you live, work or study in Lewisham? Have you got a spare tenner in your wallet?
If so, then the Lewisham Cycle Loan Scheme is exactly what you need. The wonderful people at Lewisham council have created the scheme where with just £10, you can borrow a bike for a period of one month and experience the thrills that cycling around London can bring.
In the scheme, there are free bike lessons available for those who may need to refine and brush up their skills or even for those who want to learn how to ride a bike. You will also be given tips and advice on how to stay safe on the roads and to use the bikes as efficiently as possible. You are also offered a helmet, bike lock and high visibility vest at no extra costs so you have the complete gear needed to take to the wheels. Throughout the four week period, you are expected to fill out an online weekly survey about how you are finding the programme and how it is possibly helping you in any shape or form. Finally, at the end of the scheme you have the option of buying the quality bikes at some great prices.
The programme has been running since May 2013 and over 400 people and counting have signed up. It has proved to become a huge success in the borough of Lewisham and I won’t be surprised to see more and more similar structures being set up around the country.
The benefits of cycling are massive. There are the health advantages such as improving fitness, increasing muscle tone, improving coordination, strengthening the heart and reducing fitness but also the financial advantages such as reducing the money being spent into the NHS due to improved public health and also offering a cost-free mode of transportation to commuters. Let’s not also forget about the reduction in pollution which is a major cause of Global warming.
The best thing about cycling is that it is so incredibly easy to do! No major equipment needed, just a bike and you’re good to go, also it is easily fitted into one’s busy schedule, so for instance you could cycle to and from work/school or maybe to the local grocers.
If you feel up for it, why not give the scheme a go or if not tell some else who you think might benefit from it and enjoy it.
For more information and how to sign up go to: http://www.lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/transport/cycling/Pages/Cycle-loan-scheme.aspx
By Damilola Oluokun, Haberdashers' Aske's Knights Academy
