The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for everyone, not least those key workers who have continued to provide essential services while the nation is in lockdown. Scottish Cycling has worked with partners to put our stock of bikes to use in support of these everyday heros.

With the transport system under pressure and social distancing measures in place, the Scottish Government asked people to walk or cycle where possible. This left many key workers faced with significant challenges in getting to work. Many were forced to walk long distances and attempt to use the limited transport services available. Fortunately, Scottish Cycling and Glasgow Life were able to work with Bike for Good in Glasgow to deploy 15 of the Glasgow Go-Ride bike fleet to those who needed them most.

On a chilly spring afternoon at the Emirates Arena, Robbie from Glasgow Life and Glasgow Go-Ride Coach Paul helped load them up. Ensuring good hygiene and social distancing practices were employed at all times! The bikes, which are normally used in coaching sessions to teach bike handling skills, will be loaned out to key workers for a period of time throughout the COVID-19 lockdown.

Find out more about the individuals benefitting from the bikes:

Dr Felicity

Support Worker Ashley

After loading up the bikes Paul Jones, Glasgow HSBC UK Go-Ride Coach said,

"During these challenging times, we have been able to put our fleet of HSBC UK Glasgow Go-Ride bikes to great use by loaning them to Bike for Good, for subsequent distribution to key workers. Ordinarily, these bikes would be used when working with schools, community groups and at various community festivals, to encourage people to participate in cycling and to develop their skills. Bike for Good is doing an incredible job of providing loan bikes to key workers which has proved to be a massive success towards helping these people to get to work or ride for fun and fitness. Knowing the current lack of availability of bikes, it’s a real privilege being able to help some very deserving people, through the provision of our bikes to them."

Have you started cycling during COVID-19? Tweet @ScottishCycling #NationofCyclists to share your story.