Pedal power could help people get back into work with a new pilot project started by West Lancashire Borough Council.
People living in Skelmersdale and Up Holland who can’t reasonably reach Pimbo Industrial Estate by public transport and don’t have access to a car may be eligible for the Council’s Cycle to Work scheme. This would provide them with a re-conditioned bike and new safety equipment so they can pedal their way to their job.
The aim is to help people get back into work by providing them with a way to access employment sites on Pimbo. Other authorities who have set up cycle to work schemes say they have helped a number of people into employment.
To qualify people must be referred to this service by Job Centre Plus or a private employment/recruitment firm as someone to whom transport has presented an obstacle to entering work. They must work, or have accepted work, on the Pimbo Industrial Estate, and earn a gross income of less than £17,500 a year.
Councillor Martin Forshaw, portfolio holder for Planning and Development, said: “Not being able to access employment sites can be very frustrating for people looking for work. By offering people this transport option we hope to help them back into work or to be able to continue in their employment.”
People who are no longer eligible for the Demand Responsive Transport Service (DRTS) may qualify for the Cycle to Work scheme. The cost of the Cycle to Work pilot scheme will be funded from developer contributions.