Following the launch of our #BikesForNHS campaign in April, Hype Merseyside have loaned 186 bikes to NHS workers supporting the fight against COVID-19.
HYPE Urban Bikes which focuses on getting people involved in cycling – has also seen 67 unwanted bikes donated by the public and we are still appealing for more, so that they too can be refurbished and loaned to the NHS workers who applied for the scheme.
The scheme, which received hundreds of applications, was launched to allow staff on the frontline of the national health crisis save money by not having to take taxis when public transport wasn’t available, to save time and allow them to spend more time with their family (rather than waiting at bus stops and train stations) and to improve their own health and general fitness.
The #BikesForNHS Merseyside initiative even gained the support of The Minister of State at the Department for Transport, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, who described it as a “fantastic scheme” in a Zoom call with organiser Matt Houghton.
During the call, which also included Jenny Box, Head of Behaviour Change in England, James Scott, Director of Behaviour Change at Cycling UK and Alexandra Jarvis, from the Department for Transport, wider initiatives to encourage people to take up cycling were also discussed.