New green scheme gets free bikes into gear for Battersea and Nine Elms residents

The ‘Try Before You Bike, Nine Elms’ scheme provides a free bicycle to residents in Patmore Cooperative, Savona Estate and Carey Gardens as part of the council's commitment to helping local people during the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Thanks to Wandsworth Council's climate change grant fund, 20 free bikes are available for people who would like to try out cycling to get to work, college or travel around the area. This will provide help to residents who may be struggling due to the impact of the cost of living crisis and are unable to buy a bicycle or take part in the council's existing discounted bike rental scheme.

'Try out cycling for free'

The new free trial includes three months of cycle hire, a cycle skills session and helmet. After the first three months, participants will have the option to buy the bike, continue hiring at a discounted price or consider the council's Cycle to Work scheme. 

Wandsworth Council's transport spokesperson Cllr Clare Fraser said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for people living in the Savona, Patmore or Carey Gardens area to try out cycling for free at a time when we know many residents are struggling with day-to-day spending.

“If you'd like a more environmentally friendly way of getting around but are unable to buy or rent a bike, just get in touch and we’ll help you with a cheaper and greener way of travelling to work, college or just getting around.”

The area around the Patmore Cooperative, Savona Estate and Carey Gardens has been at the centre of recent road improvements including new crossings for local schoolchildren, wider pavements and a new segregated cycle lane along Thessaly Road, connecting cyclists with TfL cycle routes along Wandsworth Road and Battersea Park Road.

If you live outside of the Patmore Cooperative, Savona Estate and Carey Gardens housing areas but would like to take advantage of Wandsworth Council's borough-wide bike discount scheme, you can hire a new or nearly new bike for a monthly charge of £20 for adults, £10 for children.

To find out more about the scheme and sign up, email info@nineelmslondon.com with Bike Nine Elms in the subject line.

The scheme is delivered on behalf of the council by Peddle My Wheels. The success of the subsidised scheme will help determine if funding is extended beyond the initial three months.

Read about the Wandsworth-wide Try Before You Bike scheme