Abandoned bikes turned into wheels for West Herts NHS key workers

West Hertfordshire NHS key workers will soon be enjoying the convenience and fitness benefits of a free refurbished bike, thanks to a partnership between rail operator Thameslink, St Albans City and District Council, and St Albans Cycle Campaign (STACC).

Thameslink has donated six bikes abandoned and unclaimed at railway stations across its network. With advice from STACC, the council has commissioned a specialist cycle mechanic to restore the bikes to safe, roadworthy condition. The renovation is being funded by STACC.

The council has arranged with West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust to organise a prize draw among its staff, and six winners will each be presented with a bike.

The project follows a successful scheme run by Thameslink and Luton Council that renovated abandoned bikes for NHS hospital key workers in Bedfordshire.

Tom Moran, Managing Director for Thameslink and Great Northern, said: “It’s fantastic working with our partners to support Hertfordshire hospital staff at this challenging time. As key workers ourselves, we’re proud to be supporting NHS staff in the communities we serve.

“And at a time of great national challenge, we are proud to help keep Britain moving safely and healthily.”

Councillor Chris White, Leader and Portfolio Holder for Climate, Environment and Transport, said: “This is an excellent initiative that I am pleased the Council is involved with along with our partners.

“It is very much in keeping with our priorities of encouraging people to use green transport to reduce harmful emissions and to take exercise. It’s also a marvellous way for us to thank local NHS staff for all they have done to protect our community from the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Rona Wightman, Secretary of STACC, said: “We were delighted to be approached by St Albans District Council for help with this project. Our committee had been planning to make donation to support the NHS during the pandemic when this ideal opportunity arose. Contributing our local knowledge and financial support to such a practical project to enable local health workers to get cycling is brilliant.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

St Albans Cycle Campaign (STACC) is campaigning for people cycling in St Albans and the surrounding area:

To encourage cycle usage

To promote cycling to play a more significant role in a balanced transport system

To support, assist and influence local authorities responsible for managing the transport system in the St Albans District.

Its approach is to work co-operatively with key bodies such as the local authorities whilst lobbying for better funding and provision for cyclists, with particular regard to cycle paths & routes, lower speed limits & cycle-parking.

For more information go to www.stacc.org.uk

Thameslink collects a steady stream of bikes abandoned at stations, many in surprisingly good condition, and normally sells those that are unclaimed and too good to scrap at periodic auctions, with proceeds going to local charities, but restrictions because of Covid-19 have prevented the auctions so far this year.

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