Thanks to a partnership between rail operator Thameslink, St Albans City and District Council, and St Albans Cycle Campaign (STACC), West Hertfordshire NHS key workers will soon be able to enjoy a refurbished bike.

They will be able to enjoy the convenience and fitness benefits of a free bike which was funded by STACC.

Across the Thameslink network, they had six bikes that were abandoned and unclaimed from their railway stations, these were then donated to this project.

With advice from STACC, the council commissioned a specialist cycle mechanic which would restore the bikes to safe, roadworthy conditions.

The council has arranged with West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust to organise a prize draw among its staff, and six winners will each be presented with a bike.

This project will follow a successful scheme run by Thameslink and Luton Council that renovated abandoned bikes for NHS hospital key workers in Bedfordshire.

Tom Moran, Managing Director for Thameslink and Great Northern, said: “It’s fantastic working with our partners to support Hertfordshire hospital staff at this challenging time. As key workers ourselves, we’re proud to be supporting NHS staff in the communities we serve.

“And at a time of great national challenge, we are proud to help keep Britain moving safely and healthily.”

Councillor Chris White, Leader and Portfolio Holder for Climate, Environment and Transport, said: “This is an excellent initiative that I am pleased the Council is involved with along with our partners.

“It is very much in keeping with our priorities of encouraging people to use green transport to reduce harmful emissions and to take exercise. It’s also a marvellous way for us to thank local NHS staff for all they have done to protect our community from the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Rona Wightman, Secretary of STACC, said: “We were delighted to be approached by St Albans District Council for help with this project. Our committee had been planning to make donation to support the NHS during the pandemic when this ideal opportunity arose. Contributing our local knowledge and financial support to such a practical project to enable local health workers to get cycling is brilliant.”

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