Stands up for cyclists.

Well, B&NES cannot replace even the missing cycle stands outside the Guildhall but there’s more independent help for cyclists in  a new initiative which – ironically – is funded by the Council.

Cycling charity Life Cycle UK is offering community groups and small businesses in BANES the chance to apply for FREE cycle stands, thanks to funding from BANES Council.

The charity thinks installing stands will:
“Encourage employees and visitors to travel the healthy way by giving them safe cycle parking.
Increase customer footfall whilst helping to reduce road congestion and pollution.
Landlords can avoid bike-related wear-and-tear by installing the stands outside their properties.
Sheffield stands are sturdy and secure, minimising the risk of tampering and theft.”

Take A Stand® helps organisations with limited resources to install safe cycle parking at their premises. The stands are provided and delivered completely FREE of charge – all you have to do is install them.

BANES-based organisations can apply for up to 2 FREE Sheffield stands each – enough to provide secure parking for 4 bikes.

Satisfied customer Alice from independent shop, Paper Plane says:
“We love our new cycle stand! It subtly contributes to the sense of community in the area, encouraging fitness and helping out the environment. I applied thinking it might take weeks to sort out, but within an hour or so I had a reply. The stand was delivered the next week. Customers are now at ease, giving them more time to browse and try things on”.

To apply for your free cycle stands, visit: www.lifecycleuk.org.uk/free-cycle-parking, call 0117 353 4580 or contact: frances@lifecycleuk.org.uk

For your information:
Life Cycle UK is a registered charity that aims to transform lives and the evnironment through cycling. Life Cycle’s services include:
Cycle training for adults and children;
Bike maintenance courses;
Refurbished bicycles in partnership with HMP Bristol (i.e.Horfield Prison,Bristol)
Dr Bike cycle surgeries; and
Take a Stand, a unique scheme to enable small organisations to install cycle parking.

Life Cycle has a track record in delivering projects that enable more disadvantaged groups to cycle including:
Two’s Company – tandem rides for blind and visually impaired people.
Bike Minded – supporting those experiencing mental health issues to cycle.
Silver Cyclists – supporting older people to maintain their health and fitness for longer through cycling.
Youth – organising fun cycling activities during half term and after school for young people in disadvantaged areas.