If you’re thinking of starting to ride a bike for fitness, leisure or as a cheaper and more reliable way to get to work, then Cycle Together can help.
Participants of the scheme borrow an ebike for four weeks and attend up to six hours of guided group rides during the hire period. The loan comes with a lock, lights, helmet, panniers and high vis. The loan and classes are completely free, funded by the National Lottery. You can also take part in the guided group rides and be part of the scheme using your own bike.
Taking part in the scheme will support participants to feel more confident, to cycle more often and encourage people to include cycling in their everyday journeys therefore increasing activity levels and general wellbeing, whilst reducing carbon emissions and congestion.
August 2021 Update
Due to high demand we are not currently taking on any new expressions of interest in the scheme. We are working through the waiting list and will reopen the scheme to new participants in due course. Please check back here for further updates.
FAQs
Do I need to be able to ride a bike already?
Yes! All participants must be able to ride a bike already i.e. start, stop and balance. Participants don’t need to be highly skilled or road confident but learning to ride a bike is not part of this funded scheme.
If you cannot ride a bike but would like to learn then 1:1 lessons can be arranged and paid for independently through a local instructor. Please contact Alex Hooper on 07968 628 700 for more details.
How old do I need to be?
You must be aged 18 years or over to take part in this scheme.
What kind of bike is available for hire?
The bikes available for loan are all Wispa Wayfarer H7 Hub-Drive Step-Through ebikes. The Wispa Wayfarer H7 Technical Specification can be provided on request for more information.
What is the height and weight range of the hire ebike?
The height range for the ebikes is approximately 5’0” to 6’4”.
The weight limit for the bike including rider and luggage is 21st or 135kg.
Who is responsible for the hire ebike?
The ebike will be your responsibility for the duration of the hire period. Frome Town Council and Pronto Bikes will be responsible for maintaining and preparing the ebikes before the hire. Please see Terms & Conditions for more information.
Can I take part in the scheme using my own bike?
Yes. You can take part in the guided Cycle Together rides and be part of the scheme using your own bike. You are responsible for arranging a service and safety check of your bike ahead of the scheme. Please register your interest and we will be in touch.
What personal data will you need from me?
On our booking form, we require you to provide your name, email address, home address and phone number and for security purposes we also require credit or debit card details. We will retain this information in accordance with our privacy policy.
Is there a survey to complete?
All participants who agree to take part in the scheme also agree to complete a survey at the start of the hire period and another at the end of the hire period. The survey has been approved by our university partner and has received ethical approval. A further follow up survey will be offered to participants who agree to take part in additional follow ups.
The purpose of the surveys is to:
- report to our funders, in this case The National Lottery;
- review and evaluate what is working well and what needs improvement in the scheme;
- find out if there are common barriers to cycling which we can then address through future funding bids and projects
The purpose of the surveys is NOT to report on or to monitor the behaviours of individual participants.
Who’s who?
The bikes are owned by Frome Town Council.
The bikes are maintained by Pronto Bikes Ltd.
The project is part of our Green and Healthy Future Programme which is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.
For more information, contact Project Officer Emma Parker.
