Glaswegians encouraged to get on two wheels with free bike share memberships

People on low incomes or who have difficulty accessing other forms of public transport can apply for one of the memberships by filling in an online form provided by CoMoUK.

Those whose applications are approved will be given login details for the bike hire app, with their membership entitling them to unlimited free hour-long bike rides for a year. To ensure there are no barriers to applications, bank details are not be required.

Figures published by Glasgow City Council in November last year showed that more than 2.5 million journeys had been made using the bike share scheme since its launch in 2014.

The network of 113 hire stations now extends across the city, with CoMoUK hoping that the offer of free memberships will entice those who have yet to make use of the scheme. 

CoMoUK is committed to raising awareness among those on lower incomes about the impact of the introduction and enforcement of low emission zones (LEZs).

Glasgow’s LEZ came into force on 1 June last year, with Edinburgh set to follow suit on 1 June this year. Similar LEZs are also being rolled out in Aberdeen and Dundee. 

Richard Dilks, Chief executive of CoMoUK, said:

“Glasgow’s bike share scheme has been a great success but there will be thousands of people across the city who have never used it.

“By offering year-long free memberships, we hope to give people who have not considered making cycling their main mode of transport a great reason to try it out.

“With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis putting intense pressure on household budgets, there has never been a better time to give bike sharing a go.

“As well as being good for people’s health, such schemes are also good for Glasgow and the planet, as they dramatically reduce congestion on our roads as well as carbon emissions.”