Borrow a Bike scheme

Borrow a Bike transcript (PDF) [103KB]

How to apply for a bike

You must use the bike mainly for commuting to work, although you can also use it for leisure as there is no limit on use.

You must live or work within one of the current scheme areas:

• Shildon
• Newton Hall
• Framwellgate Moor
• Brasside
• Pity Me
• Stanley
• Murton
• Seaham
• Newton Aycliffe
• Chester-Le-Street
• Bishop Auckland
• Meadowfield

View the  Fair wear and tear (PDF) [604KB]  guidance.

We will confirm a collection time and place with you when you have successfully applied.

We expect you to familiarise yourself with the Highway Code.

When you collect your bike

You must bring three forms of ID when you come to collect your bike at the pre-arranged time:

1. photographic ID eg passport, driver's licence
2. proof of address ID eg council tax bill, utilities bill, bank statement
3. workplace ID eg pay slip, work badge

What you get with the scheme

• the bike - we have a range of men's and women's mountain bikes and a limited number of E-Bikes in various sizes suitable for riding on roads and surfaced tracks.
• a helmet (if you don't have your own).
• a lock, front and rear lights, hand pump, puncture repair kit and one spare inner tube
• a startup kit including bag, water bottle, maps, information book and a waterproof seat cover
• training tailored to your individual needs, covering basic bike maintenance, safety checks, handling and on and off-road skills
• you must sign up to the Love to Ride Durham website and log all journeys. (This provides valuable data allowing us to report on how the scheme is working).

What you will not get

• specific cycling clothing or footwear
• a puncture repair service
• personal or third party insurance cover

How long the scheme lasts and any costs

The scheme is free to join. You can borrow an E-Bike (if available) for 1 month or a Hybrid bike for up to 3 months. At our discretion the loan term of a Hybrid (non-electric) bike may be extended for a further three months.

At the end of the loan period there will be an option to purchase a bike from our older fleet of bikes at a significantly reduced cost whilst also receiving a free support package from our charity partner Recyke y'bike.

You can return the bike at any time, but we need a minimum of three working days notice. Contact Borrow a Bike to agree a date and time, and return the bike and equipment to the place you collected it from.

We will give notice if we are going to end your access to the scheme because:

• the bike fails an inspection
• you are not using the bike primarily for commuting to work
• you do not abide with the terms and conditions you agree to when you complete the application form

What to do if things go wrong

The bike is stolen

• contact the police immediately to get a crime reference number
• Contact Borrow a Bike as soon as possible with the details - we will let you know whether you are able to borrow another bike

The bike is damaged or needs repairing

• Contact Borrow a Bike immediately about the damage and whether the bike can or should still be used

You have an accident

• get the name and address of the people involved
• try and get the names and addresses of any independent witnesses
• get a police incident number if there are injuries to any person or damage to property