Bikes handed out to help Caithness folk on low incomes
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Ten new bikes have been distributed to people in Caithness to enable them to make trips for leisure and work.
They were funded through a Cycling UK project called Access Bikes, which aims to help people on low incomes experience cycling without the up-front costs.
Pulteneytown People's Project (PPP) in Wick secured the funding with the help of the cycling charity's local development officer, George Ewing.
The 10 individuals benefiting from the scheme were selected after being referred by agencies as suitable participants.
A few of them will use the bike as their only means of transport to get to and from work, while two people have received e-bikes that will allow them to cycle a longer commute each day.
Others will use the bikes for recreation to boost wellbeing as they have health difficulties.
George Ewing, Cycling UK’s Caithness-based development officer, said: “It’s great that some of our residents in Caithness have been given assistance to cycle and become more independent for their own transport needs, whether it be to get themselves to the shops, appointments or just for the fun of it.
"Each bike recipient will also complete some basic maintenance lessons to make them more independent during their cycling journeys.”
Jennifer Harvey, head of development at PPP, said: "We're very pleased to have been part of the project and the very generous grant from Cycling UK that has enabled us to help others who would ordinarily not be fortunate enough to own a bike.
"We purchased with the grant money Raleigh bikes who also worked with us to give us a good deal. Each participant will also receive helmets, locks, lights and pannier bags.
"We wish them all safe travels on their new bikes which we hope they will enjoy for many years to come."
Funded by the Scottish Government, the Access Bikes programme offers capital grants to organisations to support the provision of cycles to people experiencing financial hardship in their community.
It is designed to support individuals who would not be able to afford to buy a bike themselves, enabling them to experience the benefits of cycling, including saving money, helping the environment and improving their health and wellbeing.
