If you’re thinking of starting to ride a bike for fitness, leisure, or for a cheaper and more reliable way to get to work, then our loan bike scheme can help.

The scheme is a great way to boost your confidence and discover if cycling is for you before purchasing a bike.

Benefits of cycling

Here are some of the benefits of cycling:

  • Improves cardiovascular health. Cycling is a great way to get your heart rate up and improve your cardiovascular health. It can help to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
  • Strengthens muscles. Cycling builds muscle in your legs, back, and core. This can help to improve your strength and flexibility.
  • Reduces stress. Cycling is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety. It can help to improve your mood and reduce feelings of tension.
  • Improves balance and coordination. Cycling helps you to improve your balance and coordination. This can help to reduce the risk of falls and injuries.
  • Helps to lose weight. Cycling is a great way to burn calories and lose weight. It can also help to improve your overall fitness level.
  • Is a low-impact exercise. Cycling is a low-impact exercise, meaning that it is easy on your joints. This makes it a good option for people with arthritis or other joint problems.
  • Is a fun and enjoyable activity. Cycling can be a fun and enjoyable way to get exercise. It can also be a great way to explore your surroundings and get some fresh air.
  • Is a sustainable form of transportation. Cycling is a sustainable form of transportation that does not produce emissions or pollute the environment. It can also help to reduce traffic congestion.

Overall, cycling is a great way to improve your health and fitness. It is a low-impact exercise that is fun and enjoyable to do.

How does it work?

A few simple steps to a free bike loan.

  • Step 1. Fill out the online application form below

    Make sure you choose the right local authority

  • Step 2. We'll get in touch to arrange pick-up or collection

    We have several pick-up locations across the region, and if you live in Bristol, we can arrange to drop your bike off to you at a convenient location from Monday-Friday

  • Step 3. Pay a deposit

    Prices vary depending on bike type and is returned on the day you bring back

  • Step 4. During busy periods, there may be a short wait

    When the demand is high, we sometimes have up to 6 weeks to wait, but we’ll contact you when we have bikes back in stock

  • Step 5. Follow up survey

    Complete a simple survey at the end of your loan period to tell us how it went

Types of bikes

Illustration of step through and regular bike

Includes

Lock illustration

Lock

Illustration of a bike bag

Storage

Illustration of bike light

Lights

Illustration of bike bell

Bell

Regular bike

Suitable for all road conditions. We offer both regular and low-step frames. Bikes are regularly serviced and come with panniers for storage, bike lock and lights.

Illustration of folding bike

Includes

Lock illustration

Lock

Illustration of a bike bag

Storage

Illustration of bike light

Lights

Illustration of bike bell

Bell

Folding bike

Suitable for people with limited storage at home, work and for commuters taking onboard a train or bus. The bike easily folds down into a compact size for easy carrying. Bikes are regularly serviced and come with lock and lights.

Illustration of e bikes

Includes

Lock illustration

Lock

Illustration of a bike bag

Storage

Illustration of bike light

Lights

Illustration of bike bell

Bell

Illustration of ebike battery charger

Battery charger

Electric bike

Suitable for people who want extra assistance for travelling further distances and for getting up steep hills. Bikes are regularly serviced and come with panniers for storage, bike lock and lights.

Illustration of e-bike conversion kit

Includes

Lock illustration

Lock

Illustration of a bike bag

Storage

Illustration of bike light

Lights

Illustration of bike bell

Bell

Illustration of ebike battery charger

Battery charger

E-bike conversion kits

The new ‘Revos’ e-bike adaption kit allows you to experience this new technology giving you extra oomph to travel further, or ride up any steep hills. Bikes are regularly serviced and come with panniers for storage, bike lock and lights. Note: The e-bike conversion kit is pre-installed on our regular bike.

Book online

Simply select the area below in which you live or work. Alternatively, you can call us on 0117 352 1105 to book, or request more information.

Bristol city council logo

Bristol

You must be 18 or over to participate in the programme. You can borrow a standard or folding bike for 1 month or an electric bike for 2 weeks. The £100 deposit is payable in Cash or Card (£250 for electric bikes).

Bath and North east somerset council logo

Bath & NE Somerset

The B&NES public loan bike scheme is available for residents or workers in B&NES. Please complete the application form by clicking on the “Book Online” link below.

North Somerset Council logo

North Somerset Council

You must be 18 or over to participate in the programme. You can borrow a standard or folding bike for one month or an electric bike for 2 weeks. The £100 deposit is payable via Cash or Card (£250 for electric bikes).

South Glos Council Logo

South Gloucestershire Council

You must be 18 or over to participate in the programme. You can borrow a standard or folding bike for 1 month or an electric bike for 2 weeks. The £100 deposit is payable in Cash or Card (£250 for electric bikes).

Watch the video

Terms & conditions

  • Available to people living, working or studying in the Bristol City, Bath & NE Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset Council local authority areas only.
  • Terms and conditions vary slightly by local authority area.
  • A deposit is sometimes required and repaid on the return of bike and accessories.
  • Due to high demand, the correct sized bike may not always be available at the time you want it. If so, we will contact you as soon as a suitable bike is available.
  • More info will be provided on receipt of your application.

Case studies

Man borrowing an electric bike

The electric bike inspired me to use my bike more often when travelling around hilly parts of Bristol.

Jon

Bristol resident

Young man borrowing a loan bike

I never learned to ride a bike as a kid and have always wanted to.

Priyesh

Self employed

Young lady borrowing a loan bike

It used to take me about 1h – 1h30 to commute to work and I was getting annoyed with “wasting” 3h a day on packed public transport. Cycling to work takes me about half an hour so the decision was easy!

Aurelie

Purchased bike through Cycle to Work scheme

Young lady borrowing a loan bike

I wanted to get fitter and cycling seemed like an obvious way to incorporate more physical activity into my daily routine.

Caroline

Bristol