During the Coronavirus crisis we’re keen to celebrate any piece of good news when we hear it, and this is super exciting!! Live or work in Croydon? You can now benefit from the ‘Try Before You Bike’ scheme! AND, it’s inclusive!!
What is the ‘Try Before You Bike’ scheme?
The company Peddle My Wheels is working in partnership with Croydon Council to deliver a cycle hire scheme for residents and employees based in the borough. It’s simple: customers pay a monthly fee until they own the cycle, or if they decide it isn’t for them, cancel and return it without having to pay more. To make things even better, no deposit is required!
The cycle will be delivered directly to your door with a free cycle skills session to increase your confidence (changed slightly due to COVID-19, see here). Peddle My Wheels also offers maintenance and theft cover for peace of mind.
What type of cycles are available (this is the exciting bit!!)?
Peddle my Wheels and Croydon Council have worked hard to ensure a wide range of cycles are on offer, with different types of bicycles (including electric assist bikes) and adapted cycles (like those offered at our sessions) now being available! Children’s cycles are on offer too and can be exchanged for the next size up – with Peddle My Wheels collecting, servicing and selling the old cycle free-of-charge! This comes 18 months after the launch of the first ever such inclusive cycle loan scheme in London, in Lambeth where our offices are based (our volunteer Ben received a trike, and is a great example – see below!). We’re so glad to see that Croydon Council, which is where our busiest inclusive cycling hub is situated, has followed suit!
Can I join the scheme now?
Yes! Ben Kennedy, Strategic Transport Manager for Croydon Council has said: “In the current situation with restrictions on public transport usage we feel it is appropriate to make people aware of the project and enable those who still need to get to work to do so. It also allows those who are considering getting a bike for their exercise opportunity to try one out.”
The Peddle My Wheels team continues to operate as usual, delivering cycles to customers with additional infection control processes put in place. For example, the cycle skills session has been replaced with a brief induction for now, but customers will be able to book the free training at a later date.
The scheme will continue long past the end of the Coronavirus crisis, and we will actively support its development by providing advice and a chance to try out different types of adaptive cycles at Croydon Sports Arena for anyone who needs it.
To find out more, please email info@peddlemywheels.com
Happy cycling!