County Durham transport charity reaches milestone with 200th bicycle donation

The charity, which also offers long-term 125cc scooter rentals, has now issued its 200th bicycle since the project began in 2022.

This milestone brings the total number of people supported into employment by the charity to 600.

Daniel, an apprentice from Easington, took advantage of the scheme to address his concerns about unreliable public transport. With a four-mile commute each way, Daniel was able to take control of his travel by opting for a bicycle.

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. Having the bike means 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 don’t 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’re delighted to have given 200 bicycle bundles to people who need this mode of transport and can’t buy 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.

For more information go to www.w2wcd.org.uk or call 0191 3038442.