Borrow Bike is a new library service offering bikes for loan to library members for free. Helping residents to get out and about to run errands, commute to meetings, or simply to enjoy a leisurely ride around beautiful ßÙßÇÂþ» and beyond.
The bikes can be loaned for a period of up to ten days, allowing plenty of time to explore and enjoy. Currently available from the following libraries:
It is a good introduction to cycling as a regular part of getting out and about without the initial investment of your own bike. By swapping out some of your journeys for cycling you’ll hopefully not only see cost savings but an improvement in your health and wellbeing.
ßÙßÇÂþ» Libraries are working in partnership with to develop services and programs to positively impact the health and wellbeing of residents, focussing on physical activity.
- It is free, and can help reduce your travel costs, whether that’s reducing your need to use public transport or on petrol expenses.
- Cycling is an excellent way to stay active, improve cardiovascular health and enhance your overall physical and mental wellbeing.
- Travelling around by bike reduces traffic congestion and improves local air quality by reducing carbon emissions.
Library membership
Ensure you have a ßÙßÇÂþ» library membership, if not, please see how you can join the library.
Anyone wishing to borrow a bike, must have their own membership card.
Register for Borrow Bikes
Visit Ashford Library or Chertsey Library to register or fill in the online Borrow . You may need to provide some identification and contact details.
Under 18’s must have a parent or guardian present at the library to sign the Bike Registration Form.
Once registered, you can borrow a Borrow Bike in person at the library. Bikes cannot be reserved.
Collecting a borrow bike
You will need to visit the library (Ashford or Chertsey) and speak to a staff member at the desk. You will be issued with a bike access shelter code, and a bike lock key. Please make sure to bring your library card and any necessary identification.
Usage
Enjoy your ride!! Be mindful, that the loan period is up to 10 days. Please make sure you return the bike on time.
Return
- Return the bike back to the bike shelter during the normal library hours.
- Check the bike for any damages or maintenance issues and report them to a staff member.
- The bike must be returned to the same library it was loaned from.
Late returns
The library reserves the right to charge a fee to your library card, if you have returned the bike after the due date. Returning items on time is important to ensure everyone in the community can access the bikes.
Upon completion and signing of a Registration Form, you agree to the following terms and conditions:
- Borrowers are ßÙßÇÂþ» Library members, including under 18’s
- Under 18’s who wish to borrow a bike must have a parent or guardian present at the library to sign the Registration Form.
- Borrowers confirm that they are in good health and not suffering from a medical condition which affects their ability to control a bike.
- Borrowers must not be under the influence of drink or drugs.
- It is the responsibility of the borrowers/ users to check that the bike is in safe working order before removing the bike from the shelter and should carry out a Pre Ride Checklist before removing the bike from the shelter. Any issues with the bike should be reported to the library immediately.
- Borrowers are responsible for fitting the supplied front and rear lights to the bike. (It is illegal to cycle on a public road after dark without lights and reflectors.)
- Borrowers are responsible for the care of the bike, including ensuring it is safely secured using the supplied bike lock whenever it is left unattended.
- The bike will be supplied to you in roadworthy condition. Bikes should be returned to the library as soon as possible if you identify any issues or defects during the bike loan.
- Borrowers must inform the library (they have loaned the bike from) as soon as possible when a bike is lost or stolen.
- All equipment borrowed should be collected from and returned to the library during library opening times.
- Borrowers are responsible for ensuring they can ride safely and within the law.
- Borrowers have read ßÙßÇÂþ» Libraries Privacy Policy and confirmed this by ticking the appropriate box on the Borrow Bike Registration Form.
- Borrowers have read the Bike Pre Ride Check List.
- Bike Trackers - Borrowers agree to GPS monitoring of the bike. The GPS will be used to gather journey and route information and can also be accessed in the event of loss or theft. This data will also be shared with partners for evaluation purposes.
- Borrowers will not remove the bike Global Positioning System (GPS) tracker that is attached to the bike. If a tracker is removed, you might incur a charge and / or your Library Membership could be suspended.
Register for Borrow Bikes
Visit Ashford Library or Chertsey Library to register or fill in the online Borrow . You may need to provide some identification and contact details.
Under 18’s must have a parent or guardian present at the library to sign the Bike Registration Form.
Bike Global Positioning System (GPS) tracker
All adult bikes will be fitted with a GPS tracking sensor to gather journey and route information (such as miles travelled and CO2 savings). The GPS tracker can also be used in the event of loss or theft.
The data will be used by ßÙßÇÂþ», Active ßÙßÇÂþ» and See Sense (GPS tracker partner) to evaluate the impact and outcomes of this service and inform recommendations and improvements for future programmes.
The GPS tracker partner will not have access to any personal details.
Simple steps to check the bike
The following steps provide clear instructions on how to carry out a quick check of the bike before you ride it. It covers essential components such as the brakes, tyres, wheels, chains, and saddles to ensure that a bike is safe to ride.
Check your bike in 6 steps:
- Rear wheel: It should be tightly fitted, and the quick-release lever is secure in the closed position. Not all wheels will have quick-release levers. If the wheel is not quick release, check that the nuts on both sides of the wheel are secure.
- Front wheel: It should be tightly fitted, and the quick-release lever is secure in the closed position. Not all wheels will have quick-release levers. If the wheel is not quick release, check that the nuts on both sides of the wheel are secure.
- Tyres: If the tyres are soft/ deflated, then attach a bike pump to the valve and pump up. Note: There are two types of valve fitting – Presta (long and thin), and Schrader (thicker and slightly shorter). Recommended tyre pressure is usually written somewhere on the tyre.
- Saddle:Check that your saddle is at the right height for you (your knees should be slightly bent at the bottom of the pedal stroke).
- Adjust the seat height, if need be, using an Allen key, or the quick release clamp.
- Check your seat post isn’t loose before you ride the bike and that you haven’t exceeded the limit marked on the seat post.
- Check the seat is secure by giving it another check once you have finished adjusting the height.
- Chain: Please check the chain is secure and has not fallen from its crank.
- Brakes:
- Ensure that the front and rear brakes are working properly.
- If the brake lever pulls against the handlebar grip, the brake cable needs adjusting.
Availability and type of bikes
Bikes will be available on a first come, first served basis. There will be a selection of bikes available to loan including hybrid, mountain and road bikes. There will be a selection of sizes too.
Bikes with Panniers
Some bikes do have a pannier frame. However, all bikes will be available on a first come, first served basis. If you do borrow a bike with a pannier frame, and require the pannier bags, please make sure you loan out separately the pannier bags.
Nonstandard Borrow Bikes for inclusive cycling
If you require a nonstandard bike, please email either Ashford or Chertsey Library and they will be able to see if there is a bike that suits your needs. Please be aware – we do not hold stock at the libraries.
Accessories
Borrow Bikes will be loaned with a D-lock, front and rear USB chargeable lights, hi-vis vest, and helmet.
Bike Universal Serial Bus (USB) lights
When loaning a bike, you will also be given a clear zipped pouch that contains a front and rear light and a USB charger. The lights, when fully charged, can last up to – front 140hrs, rear 8.5hrs. Both lights are waterproof.
Fixing areas
There is no designated area for fixing the bikes, but inside the shelter will be a multifunctional bike tool and a bike pump to use.
Locking up your bike:
- Please use the D-lock supplied with your bike
- Lock to a secure frame or bike stand
- Lock frame and bike together using the rear wheel
- For more information on keeping your bike safe, please see the the
What happens if I have a maintenance issue?
- If it is a quick fix issue – i.e. flat tyre, there are tools in the shelter. You can also refer to the .
- If you have an issue during the loan of the bike, please take the bike back to the library you borrowed it from as soon as convenient.
General maintenance of bikes
All bikes will be checked on a regular basis by a fully qualified bike mechanic. However, if you find an issue before you set off from the library or incur an issue during your loan period, please take the bike back to the library you borrowed it from as soon as it is convenient.
When will Borrow Bikes be available for loan?
The Borrow Bike loan service will launch in August 2025
Where can I borrow a Borrow Bike from?
Bikes are available to loan from Ashford and Chertsey libraries.
For how long is the loan?
You can loan a bike for up to 10 days.
Can I extend the loan period?
At present we are not operating a renewable loan service.
Can I place a hold/ reservation?
No, at present we are unable to offer a reserve service.
Who can borrow the Borrow Bikes?
Adult library members (18+) with no outstanding library fines. Anyone wishing to borrow a bike, must have a valid ßÙßÇÂþ» Library Membership card. In addition, under 18’s will need to have a parent/guardian to agree to the Terms and Conditions of the loan and sign the Bike Registration Form.
What do I need to do to borrow a Borrow Bike?
Please refer to the loan process for all the details.
What if I am visiting locally and wish to borrow a Borrow Bike?
Visitors may apply for a library card with proof of address
What happens if any of the lights are lost or broken?
The library staff may charge you a nominal fine. The lights are easy to attach and remove, so we recommend taking the lights with you, once you have locked up your bike.
Can I loan a Borrow Bike with a pannier?
Some bikes do have a pannier frame. However, all bikes will be available on a first come, first served basis. If you do borrow a bike with a pannier frame, and require the pannier bags, please make sure you loan out separately the pannier bags.
Do you have non-standard Borrow Bikes for inclusive cycling?
If you require a nonstandard bike, please email Ashford or Chertsey Library and they will be able to see if there is a bike that suits your needs. Please be aware – we do not hold stock at the libraries.
What if I don’t have a helmet?
The bikes will be loaned with a helmet and D-lock. If borrowers have their own helmet, they can bring that and show staff.
How do I adjust the bike seat?
All bikes are different – some might need a hex key or spanner - others might be quick release. There is a multifunctional bike tool in the bike shelter if a hex key or spanner is required.
What happens if I have a maintenance issue?
If you notice an issue before you set off on your bike, then please make the library staff aware of the issue. If it is a quick fix issue – i.e. flat tyre, there are tools in the shelter and You can also refer to the .
If you have an issue during the use of the bike, please take the bike back to the library you borrowed it from as soon as convenient.
Adverse weather on the day of loan?
The Library Service could decide to refuse to loan a bike out if the weather is deemed too high risk for cycling (i.e. icy road conditions and / or high winds).
What happens if my bike gets stolen?
If the bike is stolen, you firstly need to alert the police and take down a crime number from them. Then email the library with the crime number.
All bikes are loaned with a Bronze rated D-lock. Please make sure you use this lock whenever you leave the bike to protect it from being stolen.
Any bikes that are reported lost will result in your account being suspended.