HYPE Urban Bikes (HUB) is committed to getting people involved in cycling, regardless of perceived barriers or challenging circumstances. When the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, HUB pedalled into action and launched its #BikesForNHS campaign.
Between April and June 2020 it loaned 186 bikes to NHS workers as they supported the fight against COVID-19. HUB also received donations of 67 unwanted bikes from the public, so that they could be refurbished and loaned to the NHS workers who applied for the scheme.
The scheme was launched to allow staff on the frontline of the national health crisis save money by not having to take taxis when public transport wasn’t available, to save time when it was but at reduced frequency, helping them get home faster to spend more time with their family, and to improve their own health and general fitness.
The #BikesForNHS Merseyside received hundreds of applications and the initiative gained the support of the then Minister of State at the Department for Transport, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, who described it as a “fantastic scheme” in a Zoom call with HUB director, Matt Houghton.
During the call, which also included Jenny Box, Head of Behaviour Change in England, James Scott, Director of Behaviour Change at Cycling UK and Alexandra Jarvis, from the Department for Transport, wider initiatives to encourage people to take up cycling were also discussed.
The success of the initiative with NHS workers at The Royal Liverpool Hospital, Aintree Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital, The Walton Centre, Arrowe Park and the Clatterbridge Hospital has also encouraged other local organisations to invest in similar schemes with support from Magenta Living and Wirral Borough Council.
Speaking at the time of the campaign, Matt Houghton said: “We set out to loan 100 bikes to NHS staff in the first phase of the campaign and we exceeded that target by almost double – 186 in total.
“The response has been incredible and we are proud to still be supporting the fantastic frontline workers who applied to the scheme with free, healthy and safe transport. It is also wonderful to see other local organisations like Magenta Living recognising the potential health and lifestyle benefits of cycling and investing in our bikes for their residents.”
Watch the YouTube videos below to explore key moments in our campaign
