Free bikes for Southwark businesses

SEA employees Christine Binnie (centre) and Lloyd Francis (right) join Richard Sharp (left), who works in Southwark, at Gabriel's Wharf to demonstrate the range of bikes available as part of the Bikes for Businesses scheme.

The Bikes for Businesses scheme, run by Southwark Council in partnership with Sustainable Energy Action (SEA), starts in January 2005 but organisations are being urged to register their interest now as demand is expected to be high and only ten businesses can take part in the pilot.

A range of bikes will be on offer including folding bikes, road bikes and ladies bikes.

Businesses will be given secure cycle storage, helmets, reflective jackets, locks and maps, and professional pool bike companies will support organisations who sign up to the scheme.

Cllr Richard Thomas – a cyclist himself and Southwark's executive member for environment and transport – said: "We're committed to improving sustainable and environmentally friendly travel options, like cycling, for everyone who lives or works in Southwark.

"Using a bike to get around London is cheaper, healthier and better for the environment than using other methods – and often quicker too.

"By offering their employees a rental bike to travel to different sites or to a meeting, businesses will save on fuel costs and taxi fares, and avoid parking and congestion charges as well."

Businesses wanting to find out more can contact Christine Binnie or Che Sutherland at Sustainable Energy Action on 020 7582 9191.