By Emily Wilkinson and Aaron Patel
Camden Council have introduced a new initiative that could help you – and the environment – at the same time.
The free bicycle loan programme allows would-be cyclists to try out a bicycle for four weeks before deciding if it’s for them or not.
Interested purchasers can choose from a standard pedal bicycle, folding bicycle or an electric bicycle. Helmet, lock and lights are included of course, safety first.
The scheme is available to anyone who works, lives or studies in the Camden area. All that’s required is to make a deposit for the bike beforehand – the money will get credited back when the bicycle is returned in good condition.
The free bicycle loan comes at a time where major change is needed to combat air pollution in the UK. On Monday, a new report from Public Health England (PHE) stated that up to 36,000 people are dying each year from human-made air pollution.
But it’s not only the environment that benefits from the new scheme. Cycling is proven to have positive impacts on your health, and according to Cycling UK, regular cycle commuters take less time off sick than colleagues who don’t.
Cycling is continuously popular, with data from Cycling UK showing almost seven times as many cyclists in London in 2016 compared to 1977.
Some think the scheme has good potential in Camden, with the chance to make a real difference in the community.
“I had no idea about the new bike loan, the traffic in Camden is awful, I usually get the bus but I would actually consider cycling because I could probably get between places quicker,” says Ellie Brown, 19, a speech and language therapist who works in Camden.
But some are slightly sceptical about the idea with one Twitter user @LiamWat700612 saying; “Sounds interesting. I’d love to own a bike again. But even a cheap bike ends up stolen within a month or two. Sort out rampant petty crime and I might be tempted.”
The scheme also includes cycle instructors, who can assist with queries and fittings as well as providing basic safety information when cycling around Camden’s busy roads.
More details can be found at:
www.camden.gov.uk
020 7974 1451
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