Fairfield City Council in Sydney's south-west has introduced an innovative health and transport project, which will see bicycles donated by residents being repaired, maintained and offered free of charge for loan by local residents.

The Western Sydney Cycling Network project, the first of its kind in NSW, encourages residents to use the extensive cycleway network throughout Fairfield City for both health and recreation, and as an alternative transport method.

About 100 bicycles have been donated, checked and repaired and are now available for loan. Residents who would like to borrow a bicycle need to pay a one-off fee of $25, which includes a high quality helmet they can keep. 

The hire period of two months can be extended after the borrower returns their bicycle to headquarters for a mechanical service and check.

“Cycling has many benefits in terms of health and fitness and even for our environment, as more people embrace cycling as a transport alternative,” says Nick Lalich, Mayor of Fairfield City.
“The project gives our residents access to bicycles at no cost and puts unused bicycles to good use, rather than leaving them to rust away in sheds. This also helps reduce waste going to landfill.”

The project will also provide training opportunities for local unemployed people through the Work for the Dole Scheme, with the support of the Fairfield Community Resource Centre. Work for the Dole participants have been responsible for preparing the first 100 donated bicycles for loan and will continue to be involved with ongoing maintenance of the bicycles and managing the loans to the community.

For more see www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au