KEY WORKERS are urged to claim free transport offers in Glasgow City Centre by the council and bike manufacturers nextbike to enable safe travel.

Free nextbike memberships and e-bike rides are being given to all key workers – including grocery retail staff and carers - to help them get to and from work safely during the coronavirus crisis.

Funded by Glasgow City Council, ScottishPower and nextbike, the scheme was initially set up for NHS staff in Glasgow a few weeks ago, but has since been extended to key workers who are still having to travel to and from work during the pandemic.

Up to one thousand free memberships a month have been made available over the next three months.

The scheme aims to minimise the risks of contracting Covid-19 while travelling to and from work on public transport.

The memberships provide free unlimited 30 minute rides on the standard pedal bikes, and £2.50 e-bike credit.

Cllr Anna Richardson, Glasgow City Council’s City Convener for Environment and Sustainability, said: “This is a really difficult time for all key workers who are working in unprecedented conditions.

"Cycling is a convenient and healthy way to travel and we are delighted to be able to provide the necessary funding to allow key workers the means to cycle to and from work at any time of day.”

nextbike director, Krysia Solheim, initially contacted the City Council and Scottish Power to secure support the NHS in its time of need, before extending the scheme to all key workers.

Glasgow City Council used the allocation from Scottish Governments' Smarter Choices Smarter Places programme to support this initiative.

She said: “Cycling is the perfect self-distancing way of moving around our cities during the pandemic.

"Hopefully, by offering key workers the chance to take a free nextbike instead of having to use public transport, we will be helping to minimise the risks to their health – so they can continue to look after the nation."

The bikes are cleaned regularly, and users are urged to wear gloves when using them as well as wash their hands before and after use.

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