Bike medic service launches in Forth Valley for key workers

In a launch, the charity mentioned: “The free call-out service will cowl Forth Valley and function in an identical strategy to automotive breakdown restoration, with bikes being repaired on the roadside or taken away for restore.

“Onward journey may also be coated, so if a motorbike cannot be simply fastened cyclists shall be provided a courtesy bike to permit them to complete their journey or obtain a carry to work.”

The Bike Medic scheme was launched on September 28, in response to a surge within the variety of NHS Forth Valley workers commuting by bike or e-bike.

Ray Burr, Forth Surroundings Hyperlink’s lively journey co-ordinator, mentioned: “All of it started when a neighborhood nurse approached us originally of lockdown for assist fixing her bike.

“We provided her an e-bike from our free lending library whereas her bike was in for restore and that snowballed into us offering 75 electrical bikes for key staff, in addition to wrap round biking recommendation and help.

“Since lockdown started, we have been inundated with enquiries from key staff desirous to ditch the automotive and get within the saddle and we have been solely too comfortable to help them to make that change a actuality.”

Andrew Murray, NHS Forth Valley’s medical director, added: “The creation of the bike mechanic function provides a powerful diploma of consolation, security and help which we hope shall be a deciding issue for folks to get on their bikes and cycle to and from work and for leisure as we transfer into autumn and winter.

“Suggestions from our workers thus far has been actually constructive with workers telling us their health has improved, but additionally the bikes have helped their psychological well being and wellbeing too.

“At such a difficult time as this, that is very encouraging.”

Bike medics can be found between 7am and 7pm, Monday to Friday, by calling 03333 208635.