Brighton Bikeshare scheme to stay open to support NHS staff

There have been concerns over the possibility that the cycles in the BTN Bikeshare scheme could contribute to the spread of the illness in Brighton and Hove.

But a spokesman for the organisation has said that staff are “continuing to work hard to disinfect every bike they come into contact with as they visit each hub”.

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He also highlighted the importance of the bikes for people in the city, saying they provided an important form of transport for NHS staff as other public transport services decreased the frequency at which they ran.

He said: “Our priority is to ensure the safety of users and our team. We are making every effort to ensure the scheme continues to maintain a service for those who need it, safely.

“As public transport continues to wind down, BTN BikeShare provides an important, and sometimes only, transport option for many.

“Like bike share schemes in other cities across the UK, we are prioritising providing a service to NHS staff and other key workers.

“We are currently in discussions with Brighton and Hove City Council as to how we can help NHS staff even more.”

To further protect against the spread of infection, the spokesman for the scheme also urged users to wash their hands before and after taking a trip on the bikes.

He said: “The public health team at the council has assured us that it is satisfied with the hygiene measures we are taking.

“We will, of course, continue to be guided by the team’s advice.

“Additional hygiene measures and how we will be supporting NHS staff will be announced shortly.”

• The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund