The National Free Bikes Network tackles inequalities and physical inactivity by providing a new bike to people who otherwise would not have had access to one.
A new collaboration of The Active Wellbeing Society, Active Essex, London Borough of Ealing, and Local and Combined Authorities are scaling up the highly successful free bikes schemes piloted in Birmingham, Essex, and Southall.
The mission of the network is to make cycling accessible by providing a free bike to remove the barrier of affordability. This will promote active travel and enable the creation of regular cycle habits. Participants get free, low carbon travel, which opens up pathways to jobs and opportunities.
Free bikes are also a “place-based” intervention to tackle health inequalities, promote cycle equity, and reduce physical inactivity as well as a way of enhancing active citizenship and boosting community cohesion.