KEY workers can hire bicycles free under a new scheme.

More than 60 bicycles are available for loan under an initiative from walking and cycling charity Sustrans in partnership with East Sussex County Council.

The bicycles are available on a free loan basis for three months, with the potential to renew after this initial period.

A new helmet and lock is included for each user and the bikes are available from the county council’s Peacehaven Cycle Hub and Eastbourne Cycle Centre.

Helen Kellar, delivery coordinator at Sustrans, said: “We have a good fleet of bikes which are not being used due to the lockdown, so we are delighted to offer these bikes on loan to any key worker who would like a safe and healthy way of getting to and from work.

“With recent Government advice encouraging workers to avoid public transport and to cycle and walk whenever possible, and local councils rapidly installing new cycle lanes, we are at an exciting crossroads.

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver a lasting transformative change in how we make short journeys in our towns and cities.”

The project is part of the council’s Active Access For Growth programme, which aims to encourage people to cycle or walk to schools and workplaces.

To register for a bike, contact Jamie Lloyd on jamie.lloyd@sustrans.org.uk.