Bike repair scheme should be in Wales, says MS

Residents in Montgomeryshire and throughout Wales should be able to benefit from a government scheme to help repair bikes, the area's MS has demanded.

The UK government's £50 bike repair voucher scheme started in England last week, but Russell George, Member of the Senedd for Montgomerysire, wants the Welsh Government to introduce a similar scheme.

The scheme would provide members of the public with a voucher – worth up to £50 – to repair a bike, with an overall aim to reduce journeys reliant on public transport and cars by increasing the number of cyclists.

Mr George, who is also the Shadow Minister for Transport, said: “As plans are underway to re-build Wales post-COVID, time is of the essence to create the right conditions to promote a healthier and greener way of living.

“We have already seen across the border an ambitious scheme to achieve this aim – in the form of £50 bike repair vouchers to encourage more people to become cyclists.

“Regrettably, the Welsh Government has missed a golden opportunity by failing to implement any voucher scheme similar to that in England.

“Implementing such a scheme would lead to both a healthier and greener Mid Wales – something which I have long advocated.

“If the Welsh Government is serious about reducing carbon footprint and promoting healthier lives then I urge it to heed our urgent call.”