Wheels2Work has been providing bicycles to County Durham residents for the past 2 years to help them get to work, education or volunteering opportunities.
The Chester-Le-Street based charity, which also provides long-term 125cc scooter hire, has issued 200 bicycles to successful applicants since the project commenced in 2022. This takes the number of people living in County Durham that have been supported into employment through the services provided to by the charity to 600.
Daniel, an apprentice from Easington, took advantage of the scheme as he was concerned about the reliability of public transport to get him to his job on time. Having the bicycle meant he did not have to walk the 4 miles each way and was in control of his own travel arrangements.
He said "I won't have to stress about how early I have to leave home to be on time for work, or whether the bus will turn up. It's also going to make a difference to my physical health and capabilities (due to medical issues). Having the bike means that I will be able to perform better in my job role and feel better overall in myself.”
Liam Weatherill, Manager of Wheels2Work County Durham said “There are many people across County Durham who walk significant distances to get to and from work, college or a volunteering session, as they do not have a reliable transport alternative. We provide a brand-new ‘bicycle bundle’ supplied by Halfords and delivered to the applicant’s home ‘ready to ride’.
This project has been running since the beginning of 2022 and we are delighted to have been able to provide 200 bicycle bundles to people who need this mode of transport and are not able to purchase their own. Cycling reduces the travel time of walking by three quarters and improves both the mental and physical health of many of our service-users, and County Durham is an ideal area for cycling as it is criss-crossed by excellent cycleways and safe routes.”
The scheme is funded by ‘Point North’ and ‘Climate County Durham’, which covers the purchase of the bicycles, accessories, helmet and safety items. It also contributes toward the managing, marketing and administration of the scheme. Employability agencies, schemes or successful applicants make a small contributory donation that helps support the scheme. Halfords provides a significant discount on every bicycle bundle that is supplied to the project.
Sandra, from Stanley, benefited from the scheme with a new Mountain bike and said “Having the bike means no more standing at bus stops for 45 minutes after a 10pm finish. I can now do early starts with 1pm finishes which will be amazing. My 66 year-old brother lives on the opposite side of Stanley, so earlier finishes mean I can visit him more often and do a little shopping for him without worrying about bus fare on my tight budget. That's not to mention the £20 a week I will save on bus fares which is going to benefit me greatly as a single adult household.”
For County Durham residents who would like to apply for a bicycle through the scheme, please visit the Wheels2Work County Durham website www.w2wcd.org.uk. For further details contact Wheels2Work County Durham on 0191 3038442.
