Innovative new scheme to lend free bikes to young people launches with Combined Authority backing

• L5 Bike Library gives families access to bikes for free

• Opened thanks to £9.7k in funding from Combined Authority

• Cycling positive for young people’s mental, physical and social development

• Project is one of many aimed at helping people walk and cycle across the Liverpool City Region

An innovative new project which allows young people to access to free bikes has opened this year in Everton, thanks to funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

The L5 Bike Library gives everyone, but especially families with children from 2-10 years old, the opportunity to borrow a bike in just the same way they would borrow a book.

Riding bikes has a hugely positive impact on the physical, mental and social development of young people, but the cost of buying and maintaining a bike can be prohibitive for some families. The team at Peloton Liverpool Cooperative, who are behind the innovative new service, believe this is a solution to these issues.

£9,700 in Combined Authority funding was used purchase a shipping container to house the bike library, as well as to install solar panels on the roof, allowing it to be transported wherever needed across the region.

Backing for the L5 Bike Library is just one of the many ways Mayor Steve Rotheram and the Combined Authority are working to make active travel in the Liverpool City Region easier and safer. To date more than £70m has been invested in new and upgraded walking and cycling routes across the region while funding for all-ages cycle safety training has also been ramped up.

Simon O’Brien, Liverpool City Region Cycling and Walking Commissioner said:

“Getting people, particularly young people, walking and cycling is so important.

“This brilliant initiative in Everton Valley, which is doing amazing things to help families access bikes in a way many of them might not have been able to before, is one we’re really proud to support.”

The bike library provides ongoing support to children people and families as they start on their cycling journey. Helmets and gloves are provided to anyone who needs them, while the library membership acts as a guide on looking after bikes with useful advice on bike ownership.

As and when young people grow out of the bikes they’ve borrowed or repairs are needed, they’re also encouraged to bring them back so they can be swapped or serviced.

Daniel Robinson at Peloton Liverpool, which operates the L5 Bike Library, said:

“If you give kids love and bikes, there’s no limit to how far they can go.”

“The reception the L5 Bike Library has received so far has been fantastic. It’s great to see so many young people and families starting on their cycling journeys thanks to the support we’re able to provide here.

“The backing of the Mayor and the Combined Authority for this project, and ones like it, is going to really help get more people onto bikes.”

More information on the L5 Bike Library and how to apply for a membership can be found at https://peloton.coop/project/l5-bike-library/