Free bike loan launched to promote sustainability

Surrey County Council, Surrey Libraries and Active Surrey have launched the Borrow Bikes scheme to promote sustainable travel

A free bike loan scheme has been launched in Surrey in an effort to promote sustainable transport and encouraging residents to explore their community.

The service, Borrow Bikes, was initiated by Surrey County Council, Surrey Libraries and Active Surrey.

Library members can access the bikes at Chertsey and Ashford Libraries, which are available for up to 10 days at a time.

Denise Turner-Stewart, cabinet member for customer and communities, said: "We encourage residents to reap the rewards of this initiative and consider cycling as a viable mode of transport."

Ms Turner-Stewart said the bikes were upcycled, second hand bikes that had been given a new lease of life.

"The refurbishment has been a true community effort," she said.

"We had support from Spelthorne Borough Council, local bike mechanics and the prison service."

Surrey County Council said some bikes were bought from the Recycle Bike Hub, with 100% of the proceeds donated to a hospice for children and young adults.

"When residents use a Borrow Bike, they are not only doing something for their health and the environment, but they are also supporting the wider Surrey community," Ms Turner-Stewart said.

"We hope residents take pride in continuing the story of these bikes through adventures in their local area and further afield."

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