100 bikes donated to key workers
Earlier this month saw the 100th free bike donation to NHS key workers from Sustrans, through Bedford Borough Council.
Bikes have been donated from numerous different sources including Govia Thameslink, Bedfordshire Police and through several 'Give your bike a new life' events where the Bedford public donated their unused bikes.
Mechanics and volunteers from Sustrans and Bedford Park Rotary Club worked hard to ensure the bikes were cleaned and repaired and made roadworthy.
With over 25 volunteers from Sustrans staff and Bedford Borough Council staff, these bikes have been donated to 100 key workers from the NHS.
These bikes have helped to shorten the commutes of some of our local key workers, as well as helping them to get more exercise, and travel in a greener way.
Mayor Dave Hodgson said "It was great to be at the donation of the 100th bike to Anu, a staff nurse at Bedford Hospital. A massive thank you must go to everyone who donated their unwanted bike, and to all the individuals and organisations involved in getting them fixed up and out to key workers in our NHS."
Debbie Inskip Chairperson of Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends said "It has been wonderful to meet all of the staff at Bedford Hospital who have been working hard throughout lockdown, and to be able to reward them with a free bike. We've really enjoyed hearing their stories about how the new bike has improved their fitness levels, reduced their commute time and enable them to save money on their commute."
Sustrans staff are hoping to continue with the project but always require more bikes. If you have a bike you no longer use and would like to see it go to a good home, please contact bedford@sustrans.org.uk.
The photo was taken before the current national restrictions came into force.
In this photo from left to right are: Mayor of Bedford Borough Dave Hodgson, Chloe Crowther Sustrans Active Travel Officer, Anu Kurian Elavunkal Staff Nurse at Bedford Hospital, and Debbie Inskip Chairperson of Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends.
Photo credit- Scott Brimley, Bedford College