Bike Loan Scheme Case Study

The bike loan scheme was one of a number of projects which was launched during European Mobility Week 2005, which had a central focus to promote sustainable trips to workplaces and schools, encouraging alternative transport including cycling.

The initial funding for the scheme was provided through a £7000 grant from the West of Scotland Transport Partnership Joint Committee (WESTRANS). From 1 April 2006, the functions undertaken by WESTRANS were transferred to the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport.

In partnership with Strathclyde Police, Glasgow City Council planned to pilot the bicycle loan scheme in one school and St Mungo’s Academy was chosen as the first school.

St Mungo’s Academy was provided with 30 mountain bicycles, 30 helmets, 30 adjustable Sam Browne (reflective) belts and 30 locks. The provision of the bicycles and equipment enabled the school to then set up a cycling club. All pupils in the school were invited to apply for a bicycle and safety equipment. Each applicant was assessed via an application form and interview on the basis of:

• need
• willingness and likelihood to participate in the scheme and associated projects
• probability that they would take responsibility for the care and maintenance of the bicycle and associated equipment.

In total there were 136 applications, with the 30 bicycles being allocated to 26 boys and four girls. Engaging with girls has proved to be more difficult than with boys.

During the initial few months, the school cycling club delivered the Scottish Cycling Training Scheme and basic maintenance lessons. A number of outings were undertaken using routes on the Glasgow Cycle Network and the National Cycle Network.

With the success of the loan scheme in St Mungo’s a decision was taken to extend the project to other schools in March 2006. These schools and information are as follows:

Some of the lessons learned are as follows.

• A substantial number of pupils who owned their own bicycles also began to use them on a more regular basis.
• In many schools there were no pupils cycling to school. With the introduction of the scheme and the knock-on effect on other pupils, the number cycling to school rose to seven per cent of the pupil population.
• When bicycles are being bought it is important to make sure the frames are the right size, given that there needs to be a range available for the different sizes of young people.
• It takes time to set up and develop the cycle clubs in the schools.
• Some issues are beginning to be raised about ongoing maintenance.
• It is important to buy good quality bicycles (approximate cost £200) to reduce the occurrence of maintenance issues. The provision of the bicycles had to go out to tender, so the specification needed to be tight in order to get exactly what was required.
• It is necessary to ensure that there is ownership of the scheme from the school and also people to ‘champion’ the scheme.
• Training is a vital element of the scheme.

As a result of the above lessons, any schools considering participating in a bicycle loan scheme should consider the following suggestions, which would contribute to the success of the scheme.

• Initially set up a cycling club. This would require consideration of staff time allocation and could provide the opportunity for partnership working with external agencies.
• An assessment process to allocate bicycles to pupils, which could take into consideration the commitment, enthusiasm and responsible attitudes of pupils’ parents and of the pupils themselves.
• setting up and ongoing maintenance of a record-keeping system that accurately tracks the allocation of bicycles to pupils.
• Loaning bicycles to pupils on a trust basis using the same format as ‘on-loan musical instruments’. Should any bicycles or equipment be stolen or damaged, the parents/pupils, where financial circumstances permit, should be encouraged to repair or replace same.
• The organisation and delivery of the Scottish Cycle Training Scheme to cycle club members.
• The delivery of basic bicycle maintenance training to cycle club members.
• Participation in organised cycling activities and cycle trips using the Glasgow Cycle Network and the National Cycle Network.

The loan scheme is still in the pilot stage and will be fully evaluated in due course with particular emphasis on the impact of the scheme for future development.

In order to keep momentum going with the scheme and to encourage more bicycle use  the scheme is looking to take part in a mass participation cycling event (Glasgow to Edinburgh) and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (expedition element).

One of the schools, Bannerman High, is looking to put a mountain bike route within the school grounds. This may lead to the development of a mountain biking group/club.

The bicycle loan scheme achieves a number of different aspects:

• council objectives – sustainable travel, physical activity
• close links with school travel plans
• potential access to employment through bicycle use.

Katy Gillies
Senior School Travel Plan Co-ordinator
Land Services
Glasgow City Council
20 Cadogan Street
Glasgow
Tel: 0141 287 9431
Email: Katy Gillies
Katy.Gillies@glasgow.gov.uk