Doncaster Rovers

The library has attracted more than 1,900 recorded bike loans and now as half-term looms, families are starting to book the equipment to spend quality time together. 

Funded by Yorkshire Bank, bike libraries across Yorkshire allow anyone to borrow a bike and encourage physical activity free of charge.

Club Doncaster Foundation’s Cycle to Health co-ordinator Scott Copeland is delighted with the success of the library and hopes it can inspire more of the Doncaster community to get cycling too.  

He said: “It’s expensive for families to spend time together during school holidays and a hard task to keep the kids entertained! It’s perfect that families can come to our bike library free of charge and borrow bikes and children’s trailers for a deposit that they get back – it makes a fantastic day out and it’s a great way to exercise too.

“The trailers have been a huge hit with the parents but even more so with the young ones, they love them!

“It’s well known that riding a bicycle regularly is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle, so it’s great the scheme is working so well”

The bike library scheme was set up by Welcome to Yorkshire to help reduce carbon omissions by encouraging people to swap their cars for a bike, which not only helps the environment but also saves a vast amount of money too.

Local resident Amy Hughes and her partner Adam have found that Club Doncaster Foundation’s bike library has been the perfect way to keep their little girl, Hollie occupied.  

Amy said: “If you want a family day out now it’s so expensive, even something as simple the cinema can be £50+, so I can’t recommend the bike library enough.

“We love borrowing the bikes and the trailer, it’s in a perfect location too because we cycle around the lake and it’s beautiful.”

If you are interested in borrowing a bike, all you need is photo ID and a £10 deposit, which will be refunded when you return the bike.