The Worcestershire Cycle Loan Scheme, operated by Worcester charity Motov8 in conjunction with Worcestershire County Council, hopes to remove the main barrier stopping people from cycling - not owning a bike!

The scheme has 200 bicycles for men and women, which can be borrowed for up to six months, as well as a small number of tandems and child bike seats.

The scheme is part of Choose how you move - a five-year Government-funded project exploring ways of encouraging sustainable travel in Worcester.

Worcestershire's cabinet member for the environment Councillor Derek Prodger said: "Cycling helps Worcester people reduce congestion, improve their health and save money.

"I would encourage people who have not considered cycling to sign up to the scheme and have a go.' Anyone wishing to borrow a bike must be able to prove they live in Worcestershire and are over 18 and they will need to pay a £75 refundable deposit.

The first 50 people to join will receive free cycle helmets. For further information visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cycleloanscheme or call Motov8 on 01905 619068.