CYCLISTS can get a free £50 voucher to fix their bikes during the pandemic – and the government has today released 50,000 more.
The scheme, which was initially announced by transport secretary Grant Shapps earlier this year, is open for bike owners to sign up to.
1
It will be available until the number of allocated vouchers run out, and is part of a £2billion package to get people to walk and cycle more.
There are 500,000 vouchers available, with the coupons given out in stages on a first come, first served basis.
The first round of 50,000 vouchers were released at the end of July and they went within hours, leading the site where you claim them to crash.
Today, the Department for Transport has released 50,000 more but only selected retailers are taking part, so make sure you check that your local shop is accepting them before heading out.
Here’s what you need to know.
Where and how do I get my voucher?
Bike owners in England can visit the Energy Saving Trust’s website and register to get a free £50 voucher.
The Energy Saving Trust will then email you a code, which you can either show on your phone or print out and give to the retailer.
The vouchers were incredibly popular the last time around, so make sure you apply as soon as possible to avoid the risk of missing out.
The voucher can only be used for repairs, so you can’t buy any bike accessories with it.
Everyone in England who is aged 18+ will be able to apply for the scheme.
Just keep in mind only one voucher can be claimed per household.
Can I find out if my local bike shop is taking part?
There’s an interactive map on the Energy Saving Trust’s website which helps you track down where your nearest participating shop is.
Businesses have to apply to be part of the scheme, so not everyone is on it automatically.
But the Department of Transport has said that the list will continue to be updated as vouchers are available, so keep checking back to see when your nearest repair shop is included.
Which retailers have signed up to offer vouchers?
HERE are some of the major retailers to sign up to the bike repair scheme so far:
Bike repairers must meet certain criteria to sign up including, the possession of valid public liability insurance with a minimum cover of £2million.
Major brands already signed up include Cycles UK, Evans and Halfords.
If you own a bike shop and want to apply, sign up here.
What repairs are included?
The government’s list of acceptable repairs are listed below.
The goal is to make sure the cycles are “roadworthy and fit for purpose”, which could include any of the below work:
What if the repairs cost more than £50?
You’ll be able to put your voucher towards the cost of the repair work, which will cover the first £50 of your repairs.
You then pay any difference.
NOT LOVIN’ IT
McDonald’s to axe FOUR menu items tomorrow including spicy quarter pounder
DRINK UP
Asda’s Black Friday deals includes 1 litre of Baileys for £10
THAT’S SWEET
Farmfoods is selling three tubs of Quality Street for £10
CLUCKING GOOD
KFC’s Christmas menu includes three sharing buckets and a Viennetta Krushem
RETAIL CHAOS
M&S, JD Sports and Carphone Warehouse warn shops may never reopen
MCLOVIN’ IT
How to get a free cheeseburger from McDonald’s
We’ve rounded up the cheapest bikes to buy online, including from Halfords, Amazon and Argos.
In July, Google Maps updated its systems to let you find out where you can rent a bike nearest to your home.
Planning to cycle during the winter? Here’s a list of the best bike lights you can buy this year.
Boris Johnson admits ‘I was too fat’ as he reveals new plan to tackle obesity
