100th free bike donated to key worker in Bedford

The 100th free bike has been donated to an NHS key worker in Bedford.

Cycles have been donated from numerous different sources including Govia Thameslink, Bedfordshire Police and through several ‘Give your bike a new life’ events where Bedford people 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 more than 25 volunteers from Sustrans staff and Bedford Borough Council staff, these bikes have been donated to 100 key workers from the NHS.

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 need more bikes. If you have a bike you no longer use, contact [email protected].