Merton Council has teamed up with bike hire scheme Peddle My Wheels to offer residents the chance to discover a more sustainable way to travel. 

If you’ve wanted to get out on two wheels but haven’t wanted to commit to the expense of a new bike without knowing if it’s for you, Peddle My Wheels will hire you a new bike for £30 a month for up to six months. You can test your skills and then, if you’ve been bitten by the cycling bug, you can buy the bike. 

Included in this trial are children’s bikes, adult hybrid bikes, folding bikes, electric bikes and electric cargo bikes, so there’s something for everyone. 

Merton Council has invested in the scheme as part of its priority to encourage sustainable transport, as well as improving opportunities for everyone to be active in the borough.  

Councillor Stephen Alambritis, Merton Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We want to encourage people to travel around the borough in a sustainable way, cutting down on car journeys and improving our air quality. 

“If you’ve never cycled before, this is a great way to test your skills before committing to buying a bike. 

“It’s also a great way for families to get out and about together to get some fresh air. We would encourage everyone to give it a try.” 

There are cycleways all over Merton so you can explore the borough. The cost of hiring the bike includes a short session with a Peddle My Wheels expert to assess your ability on the bike. If you need cycle training or a refresher on road positioning then book free sessions with the Council’s accredited provider.