Community gears up to help NHS staff get to work during coronavirus outbreak

Community volunteers and businesses have joined together to source old and unused bikes that can be upcycled and used by key workers needing to travel to and from work.

Positive Cycles, which renovates old bikes and works with Transport for Greater Manchester, contacted Rochdale Council for help in sourcing bikes suitable for reuse last week and, so far, more than 40 bikes have already been donated to frontline NHS staff across Rochdale, Bury and Oldham, with a further 20 heading to the repair shop for servicing.

Councillor Rachel Massey, who has been co-ordinating volunteer efforts, said: “Our NHS staff are working incredibly hard and under testing conditions to look after us. Many of our caregivers don't have a car, and they want to avoid public transport at the moment so that they can socially distance themselves as per TfGM guidance.”

Fellow ward councillor for Spotland and Falinge, Faisal Rana has been part of the movement, donating his second-hand bike to the initiative.

 

 

He said: “I had bought a second-hand bike for my daily exercise routine during the coronavirus lockdown, but then I heard about this amazing scheme and didn’t think twice about donating my bike.

“The cycles enable nurses and doctors to get to work easier and also avoid having to use public transport where there is a risk of picking up the virus.”

Councillor Massey added: "After putting out a call for donations we very quickly had volunteers getting in touch. Residents, councillors and local community groups have all been getting involved. Special thanks to PCSO Izzy who has also been getting the support of businesses. It's great that, although we are apart, our community is still connected, and coming together to support each other at this time of crisis.”

 

 

John Hindle, of Waterfoot Auction house, has made the single largest donation with his current stock of 22 bikes going to the project, followed by GMP Rochdale which has so far donated seven bikes.

PC Phil Jones from GMP Rochdale said: “GMP is glad to be able to help fellow key and emergency service workers in any way we can. During these unprecedented times, it’s important that we all come together and support each other.

“All of the bikes we have donated are unclaimed property, which have been at our station for some time, and it’s great that they are now going to such a worthy cause.”

One of the NHS frontline workers who contacted Councillor Massey to ask how she could get one of the bikes said: “This is such a wonderful idea. Getting to and from work has been challenging in the last few weeks. It will be so much quicker riding home than walking. Thank you so much to all involved.”

As well as making commuting easier, it is hoped that access to the repurposed bikes will also offer a cheaper alternative to public transport. These bikes will be used well after the coronavirus outbreak is over and will benefit the user’s fitness and mental wellbeing.

Martin Sutton, Positive Steps Manager, said: “Since we began in 2015, alongside our usual affordable bike sales, we’ve donated more than 400 bikes to those in need locally. Through our work with TfGM, the police and housing associations, donations made to us have also meant that we've been able to train a number of young people in bike maintenance leading to professional qualifications.

"We still need more bikes, so if you have an unused one lurking at the back of the shed or in the garage then please do get in touch. We can collect them from your home.”

Councillor Massey added: “To be able to help the NHS and front line staff who are doing so much for our communities at this difficult time means so much.  If you have an old bike that you don’t use, please donate it for our key workers.”

Get involved

To donate a bike, contact Martin Sutton at Positive Cycles:

• Tel.: 0161 621 9250
• Email: martinsutton@positive-steps.org.uk

Alternatively, contact Councillor Rachel Massey:

• Tel.: 07583 093719
• Email: rachel.massey@rochdale.gov.uk