Free bicycle repair scheme goes live in shops across Scotland

Cyclists will be able to get free bicycle repairs worth up to £50 from Monday as a new scheme launches.

The Scotland Cycle Repair Scheme has gone live at about 100 shops across the country.

A total of 30,000 bike repairs or maintenance jobs will be part of the Scottish Government scheme on a first-come basis.

Registration is not required, cyclists can simply attend the participating shops until the £1.5 million fund has expired.

The scheme is designed to get older bicycles back on the road and encourage active travel.

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said: The Scotland Cycle Repair Scheme is a critical part of our Covid-19 response and a key element in our wider green recovery.

This step will help encourage older bikes back on to our roads and on to the new temporary infrastructure that local authorities have delivered through the Spaces for People initiative.

At the same time, this will keep the many people who have rediscovered cycling during the lockdown period on their bikes through the winter.

I'm pleased to see the increases in cycling and I'm confident active travel will play a big part in helping to manage demand on our public transport network.

By choosing to walk, wheel or cycle - you are leaving space on public transport for those that need it most.''

The scheme is being delivered through Cycling UK, which promotes the use the bicycles.

Suzanne Forup, Cycling UK's head of development for Scotland said: This scheme will help to fix flat tyres, loose brakes and clunky gears to get people across Scotland on their bikes.

We know that the coronavirus crisis has hit many people hard, so if you'd struggle to afford the repairs you need right now, this scheme has got you covered.''