Somerset College

Get on yer bike!

Somerset College has teamed up with the the Moving Forward Team at Somerset County Council to provide bicycles to students who could get to college by bike more easily than by bus or walking.

You'll need to act fast though if you're interested as the deadline is Thursday 23 August to apply.

The way it works:

1)    the Moving Forward Team will sort you out with a new bike (+ lights and a lock) and give you some training on cycling safely and legally on the road;

2)    you give them a deposit of £75 for the bike, plus a fee of £40, to use the bike for one academic year;

3)    at the end of the academic year, you either return the bike to them (and get your £75 back), or you keep hold of the bike and they keep your £75.

It’s a good deal for you, because you will get a brand new bike for a much lower price than you would get it in a shop (less than half the price). It will be set up especially to suit you, making it very easy for you. There may be the option to have a second-hand bike at a lower price.

You would be lent the bike from September, until the end of the following summer term (around 1^st July 2013). They also service your bike in the New Year for free.  This is to make sure that the bike is still safe for you to ride.

You must think about the fact that you will need to pay your deposit before you collect the bike. You would not get your deposit back if the bike was lost, stolen or damaged so badly they could not repair it. You may also lose some of your deposit if it needs lots of repairs, although reasonable wear and tear is expected.

Students must be aged between 16 and 19.  If you are under 18, you will need to have a parent/guardian’s permission to participate. The scheme is open to all, but if the Moving Forward team are over-subscribed, students who live more than 2km from college and would have difficulty travelling here by public transport will be prioritised.

If you are interested in finding out more about the scheme, log on to www.movingsomersetforward.co.uk/bike-loan, where you can also see the sort of bike available. Or give them a ring on 01823 357123.