Access Bikes - FAQs for Bike Shops and Suppliers
Access Bikes is an innovative programme that increases access to bikes and cycling for adults that are financially struggling in Scotland. Community organisations throughout Scotland can apply for funding to buy bikes and accessories for adults that they are working with who would like to get a bike and start cycling.
As a bike shop or supplier, please see below for everything you need to know about Access Bikes.
- What is the process for groups to make an application for Access Bikes funding?
- Who decides which shop or supplier a funded group will go to?
- How do we get introduced to groups receiving Access Bikes Funding?
- Can the grant only be spent on bikes?
- What accessories can be purchased with the grant money?
- What is the price range for Access Bikes?
- What type of bikes are eligible?
- Will the groups expect to come to the shop?
- How many bikes are we talking about?
- Can this funding be used for e-bikes?
- How and when will be get paid?
- Do the bikes have to be new or can second hand refurbished bikes be bought with this funding?
- Can we get some publicity for our shop as an Access Bikes Supplier?
1. What is the process for groups to make an application for Access Bikes funding?
Interested groups must first fill in an expression of interest form. Their application will be reviewed by a grant panel. If they fit our funding criteria of offering continued support to adults who are financially struggling, we will invite them to make an application for Access Bikes Funding. The grant application form will contain a section on the project budget which will help them work out how much money they need to apply for. Grant applicants will need support from bike shops at this stage of the application process to help identify the best bikes and accessories for their people. Completed grant applications will again be considered by a grant panel before making the decision to award funding.
2. Who decides which shop or supplier a funded group will go to?
The grant recipient organisations make those decisions. When they complete their expression of interest form, they will be asked if they have a supplier in mind or if they would like us to introduce them to a wholesaler or retailer. We can do the introductions, but the final decision will be made by the group themselves. Decisions will largely be made on location and convenience of the shop.
3. How do we get introduced to groups receiving Access Bikes Funding?
It will depend on the situation. Some grant applicants come to us with a supplier in mind. They may have a relationship with a local bike shop and be happy to approach a shop directly. Some groups will ask for an introduction to their local bike shop, and we will call to set up an introductory meeting. Other groups may not have access to a local bike shop and need to consider bike delivery to their location when selecting the supplier.
4. Can the grant only be spent on bikes?
No, the grant funding can also be used to buy essential accessories to allow people to start cycling for everyday journeys as well as leisure and health. We are aiming to give them a starter kit which they can add to over time.
5. What accessories can be purchased with the grant money?
Helmets, locks, lights, multi-tool and bike pump as standard with the option to provide specific accessories on request. This could include panniers and rack, mudguards or a child seat. The grant recipient organisation will make assess the needs of the potential bike owners and work with you to make a budget sheet at the grant application stage.
6. What is the price range for Access Bikes?
We would like you to supply standard 2-wheel cycles in the £300-£600 price bracket.
We want to make sure that all bikes provided through Access Bikes are good quality bikes from reputable brands that will last and be suitable for everyday use. Budget bikes rarely provide value for money and will not stand up to regular use.
7. What type of bikes are eligible?
The goal is to get more people cycling for short journeys, leisure and health and the bikes purchased should reflect this. We will happily fund hybrid bikes, folding bikes and if the type of journeys made requires, a mountain bike. We would not fund specialist bikes which would not be used for necessary everyday journeys, like a full suspension mountain bike or a BMX. Please note that this funding is for adult bikes only and cannot be used to buy bikes for children.
8. Will the groups expect to come to the shop?
Every application will be different, and the arrangements will be made between the grant applicants and the bike shop. It would be helpful, if possible, to get the bike recipients to visit the shop during the bike selection process but we realise that this may not always be possible. Potential bike recipients may come in a group with the support of the grant applicant project, or they may come along individually. If they are coming along individually, they will let you know that they are taking part in the Access Bikes scheme and let you know which project has made the grant application.
9. How many bikes are we talking about?
Community organisations can make applications for between 3 and 20 bikes.
10. Can this funding be used for e-bikes?
No, the funding can only be used for standard 2-wheel cycles and non-standard cycles for people with health conditions and particular mobility needs.
11. How and when will be get paid?
When the order is finalised the grant application will be submitted. The order is placed when the funding is received and will invoice the grant recipient organisation and they will pay you by bank transfer. You do not have to release the bikes until the payment is received. We understand that there maybe stock issues and changes may need to be made to the original budget sheet, but please highlight these to the project team. All costings must include VAT.
12. Do the bikes have to be new or can second hand refurbished bikes be bought with this funding?
This funding can be used to buy either new or second-hand bikes and again it will depend on the preference of the grant applicants.
13. Can we get some publicity for our shop as an Access Bikes Supplier?
Access Bikes offers funding to community groups working with people who are worst affected by the cost-of-living crisis. Any publicity would need to be handled sensitively and discussed with Cycling UK and the grant recipient organisation prior to publication.
