On Bikes Launches at Golf It!

Here at Golf It! we have worked closely with the amazing people at St Paul’s Youth Forum to try to make a difference to the lives of people around us.

So we are proud to welcome the latest step together – the launch of a new On Bikes facility here.

We’re all about golf for all – and at St Paul’s On Bikes they bring freedom and movement to everyone.

You can pick up a FREE refurbished bike to keep if you need it, or pay what you can afford to for hire, so whether it’s getting to work or school, or a family day out at the loch, you’re covered.

People of all ages can hire bikes for use around Hogganfield Loch or indeed buy or be given a refurbished bike for daily use in general life, to get to school or work, or just become more mobile.

Russ Smith, Golf It! GM, said: “This is a big moment for us as we take our ongoing partnership with St Paul’s to a whole new level, providing transport options to those who need them as well as fun days out.

“The work they do is incredible across the board but the On Bikes initiative really grabbed us right from day one.

“It’s a pro-active and instantly effective way to give self-respect, independence, freedom and opportunity to people who otherwise would be reliant on public transport, which isn’t always suitable depending on work and so on.

“These bikes can be the difference between getting and keeping a job, or not., Also for kids getting to school, mums getting out and about day time and kids getting that first taste of independence.

“Of course the bike scheme also helps rehabilitate prisoners at Barlinnie, as well as providing a fun facility for families here at Golf It! to explore the local area and beautiful lochside.”

On Bikes, through their bases in the North and East of Glasgow donate between 30 and 50 bikes a week to the local community, whether that’s for asylum seekers who are new to the country, kids who can’t afford a new bike or adults who need a bike to get to work or job interviews.

They rely on charitable donations to do this so take in old unwanted bikes, then work with the inmates of Barlinnie prison to refurbish them.

Neil Young from St Paul’s said: “Where Golf It! talks about ‘golf for everyone’, On Bikes believes in the freedom of cycling for everyone.

“No matter what your financial circumstances you can come to On Bikes and get a refurbished bike to keep free of charge.

“Our work with Barlinnie inmates on refurbishing the bikes is not only making old bikes like new and putting them into the community to improve lives, it also helps the inmates gain new skills and work towards rehabilitating them into society, knowing they’ve helped to improve lives.”

The new On Bikes facility at Golf It! offers five key services – bike repair, bike sales, bike hire, accessibility for those with mobility issues and it’s also a donation point for anyone with an old or damaged bike they want to pass on.

Russ added: “The bike hire aspect means On Bikes really adds to the attractions for a family day out here – you can hire a bike from On Bikes and enjoy a cycle around Hogganfield Loch.

“Hundreds of cyclists go round Hogganfield every week and now you don’t need to own a bike to join them. You can hire a bike from On Bikes and pay what you can afford/what you think is a fair rate.

“And in the spirit of ‘cycling for everyone’ On Bikes have a range of accessible bikes for those with physical challenges and mobility issues. There are two-seater karts for example, if a passenger can’t move their legs to pedal themselves.

“Plus there are brand new bikes on sale at On Bikes/Golf It! – some of these are high-end bikes for enthusiasts, so they’re on sale at set prices.

“Rather than spending hundreds with a national bike retailer, spend local knowing the proceeds from your new bike go back into the community to help others less fortunate to enjoy cycling and the freedom it brings.

“There’s also bike repair – bring it in and On Bikes will refurbish it and keep you safe on your bike. Pay what you can afford.

“And if you’ve got an old bike that’s too small or unused, then donate it to On Bikes at Golf It! – it will be given a new lease of life as it’s given to someone who really needs it in the local community.”