Cut price bicycles are on offer to Black Country residents who sign up to a cycle training scheme backed by the local transport authority.

 

Around 200 Raleigh Pioneer hybrid bikes and accessories worth £300 are available to locals for just £50 if they complete two bicycle competency courses.

 

The so called ‘Bostin Bikes’ scheme is being run by Centro, the West Midlands integrated transport authority, in an effort to encourage more people to change their travel behaviours and choose cycling in favour of the car.

 

“This is a fantastic offer for anyone in the Black Country who wants to make cycling a bigger part of their travel routine,” said local councillor Judith Rowley. “Not only is it good for the pocket but going by bike reduces pollution and improves health.”

 

Residents who sign up and pay a £50 deposit are given a bicycle, helmet, lights and a D-lock when they arrive for their second session with cycle training firm BikeRight. Participants who complete level two on road training can keep the bicycle and accessories, or return the equipment and get their deposit back.

 

Each bicycle comes with a rack on the back so that panniers can be attached for carrying luggage such as shopping.

 

The scheme is being run as part of Centro’s ‘smart network smarter choices’ project. A Centro spokesman said it is hoped the scheme will play a small part in reducing congestion which costs the West Midlands economy around £2Bn a year.

 

(Photo: Centro)