In the summer of 1999 Cambridgeshire's Trading Standards Service carried out a survey of hire bikes and found a significant number of them to be defective.

It is our aim to improve the standard of hire bicycles by setting up a scheme with like-minded local traders to ensure your safety when cycling around the county.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary and Cambridgeshire County Council's Road Safety Team are also supporting the scheme.

All the businesses in the scheme have agreed to commit to the safe and fair hiring of bicycles and the promotion of high standards of customer satisfaction.

Cambridgeshire Trading Standards will keep a list of companies who have made the commitment and make it available to people who ask for it and at local libraries.   The list can also be viewed through the page on the left.

What will the scheme mean to you as a customer?
The retailer has agreed to follow to a comprehensive code of practice. You can therefore hire a bicycle with increased confidence that the cycles will be safe and legal to use.

Under the scheme the trader agrees to ensure that;

• Cycles are safe and legal to use
• Cycles and accessories are checked between each use, cleaned and kept in good working order
• An effective system of hire and maintenance is in operation
• A lock and safe means of carrying luggage is provided
• You will be encouraged to use a cycle helmet
• The cycles are suitable for their purpose and the description is accurate
• You will be provided with the correct size of bicycle adjusted to fit you
• Advice will be given on how to use the bicycle, where to ride and cycling safety

How is the scheme monitored? Cambridgeshire's Trading Standard Service will regularly visit all participating members to check that they are complying with the code and the spirit of the scheme. Cambridgeshire's Trading Standards has the right to expel traders found not complying with the code.

Don't forget to look for the Safe Cycle Hire Trader Logo.

What happens if a member of the scheme breaks the rules?
If members of the scheme are found to break the rules they can be warned, suspended or even expelled depending upon the severity of the breach. Cambridgeshire's Trading Standard Service will carry out surveys to ensure that all traders comply with the current safety legislation. If they are a member of the scheme, they must comply with the legislation and the code of practice.

What if things go wrong?
Notify the dealer straight away and give them a reasonable opportunity to correct the problem.
If in the unlikely event that you are unhappy with the outcome contact our Helpdesk.
Once you hire a safe cycle, you must be a safe cyclist:

• For your personal safety - wear a helmet and some form of reflective clothing
• When cycling at night, you must have lights front and rear which are switched on and working
• It is safer to ride in a single line than in a group
• You are not allowed to ride on all pavements, you may only cycle where a blue sign says you can
• Carrying another person on the cycle is not permitted
• When cycling keep to the left hand side
• Blocking pavements with your cycles is both annoying and dangerous to pedestrians
• Red traffic lights and no entry signs apply to cyclists
• Remember before turning or changing direction always look over your shoulder first make sure it is safe
• Cycling can be fun provided you ride sensibly and safely