Free cycle hire offer for Edinburgh’s NHS workers

Coronavirus: Transport for Edinburgh releases Just Eat Cycle 100 passes

Transport for Edinburgh’s Cycle Hire Scheme has released 100 free annual passes for NHS staff.

Developed in partnership with Sustrans Scotland and Just Eat Cycle scheme operator Serco, the offer has been made possible by funding from Transport Scotland.

NHS employees can apply for the 12-month pass via an email up to 22 June, quoting their NHS number. They will then be sent a code to redeem through the Just Eat Cycles app, which is free to download for iOS and Android. Passes, which cover both e-bikes and pedal bikes.

The passes will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.

Until 4 July the NHS passes will cover the use of e-bikes and pedal bikes for free up to 60 minutes per ride. After the initial two months the pass will revert to a normal annual membership for the remaining ten months. E-Bike trips will then cost 10p per minute.

Sustrans Scotland Director, Karen McGregor, said: “In the COVID-19 crisis, cycling can offer a healthy and convenient transportation choice for many. And so long as the 2-metre social distancing is observed, it can help people keep a safe physical distance from others.”

Transport for Edinburgh (TfE) is the parent company of the municipally owned Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams and holds the city’s shares in these companies.

It is responsible for the delivery and development of an integrated transport network for the Edinburgh City Region.

George Lowder, Chief Executive of Transport for Edinburgh said: “Transport for Edinburgh are delighted that Transport Scotland have provided funding to allow access to the Edinburgh Cycle Hire Scheme for NHS staff who are fulfilling such vital roles at this time.”

Serco has managed the Edinburgh Cycle Hire scheme since 2018. Alex Macdonald, General Manager of Just Eat Cycles, said: “We want to thank all NHS employees for their incredible efforts on the frontline. It is a privilege to support these people with free access to e-bikes and pedal bikes during the current crisis. We hope it provides some respite to those working hardest to keep us all safe”.

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Adam McVey added: “This is a fantastic initiative, which will support NHS staff doing the crucial job of keeping us safe to take advantage of cycling as a healthy way of travelling and exercising. We’re currently working to implement changes around the city to give people more space to stay 2-metre apart while cycling.”