Rutland free bike scheme wins national award

Rutland County Council’s ‘My Bike’ project has won the ‘best partnership’ category in the Modeshift National Travel Awards.

The awards recognise and reward schemes, projects or other activities that support and encourage sustainable travel.

My Bike was set up by Rutland County Council’s transport team in partnership with HMP Stocken, and sees old and damaged bicycles restored and given free of charge to people who don’t have a bike of their own.

Bikes disposed of at the council’s recycling centres are collected and reconditioned to working order by inmates using HMP Stocken’s workshops.

Together with bikes donated by local businesses Rutland Cycling and Oakham Cycle Centre, more than 150 bikes have been restored and given away.

Councillor Lucy Stephenson, portfolio holder for transport, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that My Bike has been recognised nationally, the project has been hugely successful and all those involved have worked immensely hard to make it work.

“This project has multiple benefits, helping children, young people, adults and families into education, training, employment, and a way to enjoy the great outdoors, by giving them access to free sustainable transport.

“At the same time, it gives prisoners meaningful work and new skills that could open up employment opportunities in the future.”