Article Source: Stirling PR
Last Updated: 19 June 2020 12:49
FORTH BIKE USERS CIRCLE GLOBE TWICE IN FIRST YEAR
Forth Bike users have clocked up nearly 45,000 miles in the electric bike scheme’s first year – that’s almost twice round the globe!
The cross regional scheme, which spans Forth Valley, will celebrate its first birthday on Sunday 21 June and is offering annual memberships for just £10 this weekend to encourage even more locals to get in the saddle. Free annual memberships are also on offer to all key workers.
Whilst steadily increasing over the past year, Forth Bike usage has sky-rocketed since March with users travelling a whopping 22,000 miles since lockdown began.
Forth Bike Project Officer, Clément McGeown: “The past 3 months have been our busiest period yet, with usage tripling since Covid-19 restrictions started. Many locals are taking advantage of the quieter roads to try out our bikes for the first time and our free membership scheme for key workers has been a huge hit. Nearly 50 keyworkers have signed up for a free annual membership and we’ve had some incredible feedback from them on the benefits of cycling to their mental and physical health.”
First-year cycling stats:
• Nearly 9000 Forth Bike journeys.
• Most used stations: 1. The Helix, 2. Falkirk Wheel, 3. Falkirk High Street, 4. Stenhousemuir and 5. Forth Valley Royal Hospital.
• Majority of users aged 16-35 (55%).
But Forth Bike isn’t the only one celebrating a special lockdown birthday. Bekah Seton from Larbert celebrated her 17th birthday with her first Forth Bike journey.
Bekah’s Mum Louise Seton said: “With Bekah’s first driving lesson cancelled due to lockdown restrictions, we decided to arrange an ‘alternative driving lesson’ for her as a special birthday surprise – her first e-bike ride. Bekah got into the spirit of it and even wore her L plates on her maiden voyage! It was great fun to get out together as a family on the electric bikes. They’ve been a fabulous boost to our mental health.”
Charity Forth Environment Link, which manages the Forth Bike scheme, has also been supporting cycling during lockdown by offering:
• Free memberships of its nextbike scheme for the next 3 months (one year free for key workers) with support from Cycling Scotland.
• Free bike servicing and bike accessories for key workers as part of Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival.
• Exclusive access to its Energy Savings Trust funded e-bike lending library for NHS key workers during the pandemic.
The e-bike lending library has loaned over 70 electric bikes to NHS key workers since the beginning of April, with a further 90 key workers on the waiting list.
GPs at Dollar Health Centre have been using one of the e-bikes for house calls.
Dr Helen Ranfield said: “The bike is stationed at the health centre and we have been using it for home visits. We’ve attached a pannier for PPE and kit and have found it a welcome excuse to get some fresh air in between visits. Several of the staff have had a go and are now talking about saving up for their own electric bikes.”
For further information about bike hire and support contact Forth Environment Link’s Active Travel Hub Coordinators:
Ray Burr at Falkirk Active Travel Hub on Ray@forthenvironmentlink.org
Emily Callan at Stirling Active Travel on EmilyC@forthenvironmentlink.org
PubLife, a UK-wide summer celebration of the '90s will take place in over 500 pubs, including 7 in Scotland.
READ MOREThe much-loved Antonine passenger vessel, a trip boat serving one of Scotland’s top tourist attractions has received an electrifying makeover.
READ MOREThis summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with their Kids Go Free promotion.
READ MOREThe inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials will take place from 21st–24th August 2025 in the stunning grounds of Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse.
READ MOREScotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow on Sunday 5th October and they want everyone to 'Be Your Greatest'.
READ MOREBTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.
READ MOREFamily favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MOREScotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.
READ MOREThe Stirling Highland Games has proudly announced a new three-year partnership with one of Scotland’s most iconic brewing brands, Innis & Gunn.
READ MOREThis summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.
READ MORESummerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MOREThe biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORECheck out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MOREHistoric Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MOREScotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORERefugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORETickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.
READ MOREThe paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.
READ MORETo mark Bike Week UK, people across Stirling are being encouraged to take part in a new survey that will help shape active travel in the area and support the shift to sustainable modes of transport.
READ MOREPollinator-friendly plants, funded and organised by Go Forth Stirling BID have added a welcome splash of colour across Stirling city centre.
READ MOREScottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
READ MOREVisitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.
READ MOREBark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.
READ MOREStirling’s rich history and heritage was celebrated at its annual Walking of the Marches, which dates back to at least the 12th century, on Saturday (31 May).
READ MOREPeople will have the opportunity to shape a future transport system for Stirling that is fair, clean and affordable with the launch of a new consultation.
READ MORECineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.
READ MORETeams of runners have the chance to race through Scotland’s most historic battlefields and stunning landscapes during an exciting new event - the William Wallace Running Festival.
READ MOREScotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!
READ MORE