nextbike Stirling
In June, in partnership with Forth Environment Link, Recyke-a-Bike and nextbike UK, we launched a new scheme for residents of Stirling to be able to use hire bikes for free.
Made possible by £30,000 funding from Transport Scotland, the bikes were available to pick up from 25 locations across the city. Residents can ride for up to half an hour for free, and renew for another 30 minutes from any docking station.
The scheme aimed to support more people to cycle for essential journeys and exercise during the pandemic.
Cycling Scotland’s Head of Education and Training, Chris Johnson, said: “Our nationwide network of counters has recorded a big increase in the number of people cycling during lockdown. We have also seen a surge in demand for bikes. This new initiative is a great example of cycling organisations coming together quickly to help more people travel by bike, regardless of income, and to access the physical and mental benefits from cycling. To help people cycle beyond lockdown when physical distancing will still be required, one of several things we need to do is increase access to bikes and this trial is a really positive step to help more people in Stirling cycle.”