A Gatehouse-based bike project is looking to get into top gear with a boost from an expanded funding pot.
Wheels of Fleet is in the process of applying to the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places Open Fund.
And there’s twice as much money in the kitty as last year – a total of £5 million for 2022-3.
The bid comes as the Scottish Government looks to encourage more people to swap four wheels for two over short journeys.
Wheels of Fleet coordinator, Danny Alderslowe, told the News: “Our application is going in this week.
“We are applying for £30,000 to help us extend our services over the next year.
“If we are successful it will allow us to employ three staff – two mechanics and a project coordinator.”
Besides loaning out and supplying bikes the project boasts a bike repair shop where bicycles are reconditioned and made roadworthy.
Other initiatives include a Bike Bus, where parents and kids meet up at a set place and time and cycle to school behind qualified lead riders.
Mr Alderslowe said: “We have people from all over the region coming to us – from Thornhill to Stranraer.
“The foodbanks in Castle Douglas and Dalbeattie are referring people to us who need a bike to get to work.
“We had one guy applying for a job and needed to say in his application that he had transport.
“He got a bike from us which allowed him to say that – and he got the job.
“We have also been helping Syrian refugees with bikes via MOOL in Dumfries.
“And we are supplying bikes to Ukrainian families on a weekly basis.”
He added: “There is a real demand out there.
“If our funding application succeeds it would mean we could extend our opening hours right throughout the year.
“The project is especially for people who can’t afford to run a car or buy a new bike.
“Schemes like our one are making themselves available in anticipation of higher demand.”
Community, public and third sector organisations can apply to the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places Open Fund.
Now in its fifth year, the fund has awarded over £9.3million to hundreds of projects across Scotland.
It aims to get people out their cars and walk, wheel or cycle for short journeys or use public or sustainable travel for longer trips.
Managed by national walking charity Paths for All, the scheme is backed by Transport Scotland,
Active Travel Minister Patrick Harvie said: “This increase is part of our record funding for active travel this year and another step in our commitment to make walking, wheeling and cycling the natural choice for our daily short journeys in Scotland.
“I commend Paths for All for their excellent stewardship of the open fund.”
