NHS & Key Worker Bike Scheme

Added: 8th October 2022

COVID MUTUAL AID – NHS AND KEY WORKER BIKE LOANS
A volunteer project has been set up in Bradford called COVID Mutual Aid, a bike loan scheme for NHS and other key workers. The aims of the scheme are to support NHS staff to maintain social distancing whilst commuting in light of the reduced public transport services and give them access to exercise during lockdown.

The Margaret Carey Foundation is proud to have been able to donate the use of our van for collecting and delivering bikes as well as providing quality refurbished bikes to be loaned out through the scheme. COVID Mutual Aid is a collaborative volunteer led project with resources provided by Margaret Carey Foundation and Capital of Cycling with support from WYCA and Cycling UK.

Over 33 bikes have been loaned in the first 3 weeks of the scheme already. We are very low on bikes and have requests coming in every day– so donations are very welcome!

Key workers requesting bike loans have included cleaners, a clinical director, nurses, doctors, gps, emergency care assistants, physiotherapists and an occupational therapist. Many have been working in Covid 19 wards. Bikes have also been loaned to non NHS key workers including probation workers, an engineer, police and care workers.

Dr John Conolly clinical director York St Clinic and GP at Bevan Healthcare:

We serve homeless people, asylum seekers and other vulnerable patients and are under severe pressure as we prepare for the pandemic. I would really benefit from any kind of folding bike for my commute.

Jodie Marsden, NHS Worker:

I work for the NHS and saw the offer of a free bike loan on our work email. I am using cycling during this difficult lockdown time to maintain fitness and to help relieve stress. My bike is currently out of action so I am extremely grateful for the loan. Thank you so much!

Martin & Nancy Tordoff, pictured above donated 2 bikes to the loan scheme.

We are proud to be able to support, this is a really good scheme