Cycle Access Fund strand 4: Repairs FAQs
- What is the Cycle Access Fund – Repairs strand?
- Who is eligible to apply for the Cycle Access Fund – Repairs strand?
- How does the funding work?
- How do we report on the repairs that we do?
- Who is eligible for a repair funded by this strand?
- Do we need to ask for benefit letters or proof of income to allow people to access the scheme?
- How do we identify people who are struggling financially to benefit from the scheme?
- What types of repairs are included?
- Is there a limit on how many bikes a customer can bring in for repair?
- What happens if the repairs cost more than £100?
- Can the customer use the funding for other purchases, such as bike upgrades or accessories?
1. What is the Cycle Access Fund – Repairs strand?
This strand provides funding to bike repair organisations, bike shops and bike recycling centres to repair cycles for people who are financially struggling and would not otherwise be able to make their bike safe and roadworthy.
2. Who is eligible to apply for the Cycle Access Fund – Repairs strand?
The fund is open to bike repair organisations, bike shops and bike recycling centres. In 2024-25 we are funded to work in specific regions of Scotland, not the whole country. You can check your local authority here.
Organisations whose registered address is in one of the following local authorities are eligible to apply:
- Aberdeen City
- Aberdeenshire
- Argyll and Bute (only Helensburgh and Lomond District)
- City of Edinburgh
- Clackmannanshire
- East Ayrshire
- East Dunbartonshire
- East Lothian
- East Renfrewshire
- Falkirk
- Fife
- Glasgow
- Inverclyde
- Midlothian
- North Ayrshire
- North Lanarkshire
- Renfrewshire
- Scottish Borders
- Shetland Islands
- South Ayrshire
- South Lanarkshire
- West Dunbartonshire
- West Lothian
3. How does the funding work?
You may apply for funding of up to £2,000 to be spent on repairs of up to £100. When you have spent and reported on 75% of that funding you will be able to apply for further funding, where it’s available. Further funding is not guaranteed.
4. How do we report on the repairs that we do?
We will ask you to fill in a monitoring form for each repair that you do. This form will ask for details of the repairs undertaken. It is important that these forms are returned as soon as possible and within five working days of each repair.
5. Who is eligible for a repair funded by this strand?
The funding is targeted at people who have a cycle which needs some maintenance to get it back in use. It is intended to reach people who feel they need financial support at the moment, as the costs of bike repairs can be a barrier to cycling. It isn’t aimed at people who can already afford to get their bike maintained or repaired.
6. Do we need to ask for benefit letters or proof of income to allow people to access the scheme?
No, this scheme does not use means testing and people do not need to provide any proof of income to get a bike through the Cycle Access Fund. You will know your community and your customers better than we will so we accept your professional judgement.
If you have pre-existing relationships with community organisations that you know support people that are financially struggling that can be a good way of ensuring that repairs reach people that really need them. Please get in touch to discuss and we may be able to link you up with suitable community organisations in your area.
7. How do we identify people who are struggling financially to benefit from the scheme?
Successful grant applicants will be able to demonstrate in their applications that they have thought about this. We have found that the most successful partners either already support people who are struggling financially or have good links in their communities with organisations who support people who are struggling financially.
8. What types of repairs are included?
Basic service and essential mechanical repairs are covered by the scheme; that is, repairs that are necessary to make the cycle roadworthy and fit for purpose. The funding can cover both parts and labour costs.
The following repairs can be covered by the scheme:
- Repairing or replacing tyres, tubes, wheels and related components
- Adjusting, repairing or replacing braking system components
- Adjusting, repairing or replacing transmission system components
- Repairing or replacing other essential components which prevent safe use of the cycle, for example deteriorated grips or saddle
The following repairs/transactions are NOT covered by the scheme:
- A sale of replacement parts without any repair work
- Replacement or upgrade of existing safe and roadworthy components
- Replacement or repair of removeable lighting accessories
- Using the funding to contribute to the purchase of cycles or accessories
- Any repairs to e-bike electronic units
- Fleet repairs
- Bike building
9. Is there a limit on how many bikes a customer can bring in for repair?
No. For the scheme to reach as many people as possible we would encourage that only one cycle can be repaired per person. However, if a parent/guardian brings in individual bikes for their family, you will be able to service them all.
10. What happens if the repairs cost more than £100?
Any additional costs are not covered by the Cycle Access Fund. We recommend that all repair costs are agreed in advance with the customer.
11. Can the customer use the funding for other purchases, such as bike upgrades or accessories?
No. The Cycle Access Fund can only be used for costs directly associated with repair and maintenance (for example labour and parts). It cannot be transferred to other purchases.
