Friday, 12th October 2018
This will mean the 200 plus staff, based at numerous facilities throughout Nelson, Colne and Barnoldswick, will have the use of a number of bicycles to use for commuting to and from work, to and from different centres or to use in their leisure time.
And, if the scheme is successful, it could then be rolled out to customers and other Pendle businesses.
The money for the scheme has come from Lancashire County Council’s Access Fund.
There will be a total of 13 bikes, including some electric, which will be free for staff to use and training will be given to those that want to learn to ride a bike. They will be kept in secure cycle lockers at Pendle Wavelengths, Nelson; Pendle Leisure Centre, Colne, Seedhill Athletics and Fitness Centre, Nelson and West Craven Sports Centre, Barnoldswick.
Pendle Leisure Trust’s Chief Executive, Alison Goode, said: “Obviously, our staff are already active - they have to be for their jobs. But we want to help them – and their families - get even more active!
“Cycling is such a popular sport with great physical benefits which we want to encourage. These bikes will help do this, as well as provide a convenient mode of transport for staff who don’t have a car, to get to and from our other centres.
“The bikes will also be available for staff who do not own a bike, to use in their leisure time; again, this is to encourage them to become more active, help improve their health and take up cycling on a regular basis with their friends and families.
“And if the scheme is a success with our staff, which I’m hoping it will be, we will then look at rolling it out to our customers, so they too can benefit from this fantastic initiative.
“We also want to promote a greener Britain. Using bikes rather than cars, we will be helping to reduce carbon emissions and minimise congestion, as well as other wider social and environmental benefits.”
Next year, Pendle Leisure Trust is also hoping to introduce a Bike Revival Scheme in partnership with Pendle Borough Council and the Steven Burke Cycling Hub.
The intention is for staff and volunteers from the Trust’s Goodlife Project to repair old, broken bikes to be sold on or lent out to local people for various activities, including ride to work schemes and events at the cycling hub.