Southampton City Council and its partners are encouraging people to get around by bike with the launch of a new, free cycle loan scheme.

People can apply to borrow a bike for free for up to three months. The bikes will be stored at the Ropewalk Centre in Derby Road, which is where riders return them to when the loan period ends. Each bike will be set up by experts prior to being hired and if there are any problems along the way, bikes can be returned to the Ropewalk Centre where the Bike Doctor will fix them.

The Sherriff of Southampton, Cllr Ivan White, will be at the Ropewalk Centre on Saturday 8 September (12noon – 3pm) to launch the new scheme, which will include the regular services of a free community Bike Doctor as well as discounted cycle training and tips on keeping your bike in tip top condition.

At Saturday’s launch event there will be chances to win cycling gear as well as lots of fun, bike-related activities including:

• Bicycle stunt display
• Bike Doctor - bring your bike for a free service
• Learn how to fix punctures and adjust gears and brakes
• My Journey Southampton road show with smoothie-making bikes
• Information about cycling and walking in Southampton

The Ropewalk bike loan scheme is a joint project between Southampton City Council, West Itchen Community Trust and Sustrans. It is part of My Journey Southampton, a council-led initiative to raise awareness and increase the use of sustainable ways to get around.

Southampton was recently ranked by the Campaign for Better Transport as one of the top five cities for sustainable travel in the country, based on being among the places that are the least dependent on the car for getting around.