A SUCCESSFUL scheme which helped cyclists get back in the saddle during the Covid pandemic by offering free repairs is making a return.

Scores of local residents benefited from the Scotland Cycle Repair Scheme when it operated from August 2020 until May this year.

Now the project, which encourages people to get old bikes out of storage and back in use, as well as keeping well-used cycles pedalling smoothly and safely, has been relaunched.

Free repairs of up to £50 per person will be of particular help to those who would not otherwise be able to afford to get their bike back in action.

Cycling UK is working with a number of bike shops to provide the repairs and maintenance, funded by the Scottish Government.

Suzanne Forup, of Cycling UK, said: “This scheme will once more fix flat tyres and loose brakes to get people pedalling again.

“Finances are tight for many people at the moment, so the scheme is targeted at those who can’t easily afford to get their bike fixed.

“Whether it’s popping to the shops or commuting to work, cycling boosts people’s physical health, wellbeing and saves them cash. It’s also a low carbon form of transport, tackling climate change and helping Scotland meet our net-zero ambitions as Glasgow hosts COP26.

“We want to make sure these benefits are available to as many people as possible.

“The scheme has been a huge success previously, so we’re delighted to bring it back.”

Patrick Harvie, Minister for Active Travel, added: “We need to reduce car use and make it easier for people to choose walking, wheeling and public transport.

“The new funding for the Scotland Cycle Repair Scheme is just one way that we’re helping people do that.”

All cycles are covered by the scheme, including adult and children’s bikes, e-bikes and non-standard cycles such as trikes and tandems.

People who use manual wheelchairs are also eligible to access free repairs.

For more details, visit www.cyclinguk.org/scotcyclerepair.