CYCLISTS in Helensburgh and Arrochar are being encouraged to take advantage of a national funding scheme to help keep their wheels on the road.

The Scotland Cycle Repair Scheme (SCRS) offers £50 towards the repair or service of a bike, non-standard cycle or manual wheelchair.

Two local shops – Helensburgh Cycles, in West Clyde Street, and Campbell Bike Workshop in Arrochar – are among 300 cycle repair shops and projects taking part in the initiative.

Ali Campbell, who owns Campbell Bike Workshop, which is based in the village's Mansefield Studios, joined the SCRS last August and has provided free services to the value of £50 to a steady stream of customers since.

He said: “The response to the scheme has been remarkable. As well as serving the local area, I have had enquiries from further afield from people who couldn’t get a maintenance slot in their local bike shop.

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"Given our location, I can’t imagine many people commuting by bicycle but it is great that so many people are back to using their bikes for leisure and recreation.

"Riding a bike really is an efficient, low-impact way to exercise. Perfect for both mental and physical health.”

The scheme is aimed at people who would otherwise struggle to afford to have their bike serviced or repaired, and it aims to get bikes out of sheds and garages across the country and back in use.

Up to 30,000 people are set to benefit from the scheme, which is funded by Transport Scotland and administered by Cycling UK.

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Shona Morris, SCRS programme manager at Cycling UK, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many bike shops and community organisations getting involved in this scheme.

"The Covid crisis has hit many people hard, so we know it can be difficult to pay for essential bike repairs right now.

"We’d encourage those people to dig their bike out of the shed or garage, get it fixed up and get riding again.”

To book your bike in in Arrochar, contact Campbell Bike Workshop on 07811123943 or email ali@ali-campbell.com.

The scheme runs until the end of May. For more information visit cyclinguk.org/ScotCycleRepair.

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