Hundreds are helped by free bikes scheme

IN THE SADDLE . . . Christian Black with his Bike Back to Work bike

JOB-SEEKERS being helped back into work, with bicycles.

The Bike Back to Work scheme, a Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) initiative in partnership with Jobcentre Plus, gives people who have recently found work the chance to apply for a recycled bike.

It aims to help people who might otherwise struggle to get to work, perhaps due to shift patterns or a lack of alternative commuting options. Eligible applicants also receive free equipment, such as helmets and high-vis vests and access to free cycle training.

Oldham cinema worker Christian Black is a fan of the scheme. The 52-year-old often finishes work in the early hours, meaning his only mode of transport without a bicycle would be a taxi to his home in Crumpsall.

Thanks to Bike Back to Work, Christian has a folding bike, which he takes on the Metrolink to work and rides home once the service stops for the night.

He said: "The bike has made a big difference. It meant I could accept a new job, and offers me the flexibility that I need when it comes to shift-working."

Christian also received a free helmet, bike lock and lights.

Councillor Andrew Fender, TfGM Committee chairman, said: "This is a really worthwhile scheme, helping hundreds of people across Greater Manchester get to work.

"With low running costs, as well as the associated health benefits, cycling is a fantastic way for people to get around Greater Manchester, and helping people get to work by bike will benefit the local economy as well as the environment."

TfGM can supply bicycles anywhere across Greater Manchester. Job-seekers can collect them from suppliers in Wigan, Trafford, Bury, Manchester, Oldham and Stockport.

People should apply for bikes directly via their Jobcentre Plus or Work Programme adviser.

The Bike Back to Work scheme is part of a wider initiative to help people back to work in Greater Manchester. TfGM also holds regular travel surgeries at job centres and events across the region, offering one-to-one travel advice and support to job-seekers.

Eligible job-seekers can also apply for free one-day bus travel passes to get to interviews, and free 28-day bus or Metrolink travel passes for the first four weeks of new employment - with discounted travel for 12 weeks after. Around 18,000 discounted tickets have been distributed so far in 2016/17, along with more than 300 bikes.

For more information on Bike Back to Work, visit tfgm.com/travelchoices and click on the 'Jobseekers' section.