Portsmouth Naval Base expands loan bike scheme

Fifteen new bikes have been added to the fleet of NavyFit loan bikes in Portsmouth Naval Base to encourage workers to use two wheels instead of four to get around.

The scheme, branded the ‘NAVYfit Loan Bike Scheme’ provides an optional means of alternate transport for all MOD and Team Portsmouth staff with the objective of improving the efficiency and quality of life in the Naval Base. 

Akin to ‘Boris Bikes’, the scheme initially functioned with 15 bikes operating from three docking stations located at Victory Building (Naval Base Headquarters), Lion Gate and at the HMS Nelson Personnel Centre.

Due to popularity and demand, particularly at the waterfront, an additional three shelters and 15 bikes have now been added to the fleet. The new shelters are located at North Corner, Fountain Lake Jetty and Trafalgar Gate.

Captain of the Base, Captain Bill Oliphant said: “The great advantage of the expansion of the scheme is that we’re getting to the extremities of the Naval Base now. It’s so much easier for ships personnel especially to get from places like Fountain Lake Jetty to the personnel centre and HMS Nelson in an efficient way. And of course, it helps to ease congestion on the base.”

The bikes were funded from the Rebalancing Lives (RBL) fund, supplemented with grants from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and the RN Sports Lottery.

A key part of the scheme is the cycle hub at HMS Nelson which is operated by Motiv8 who will manage the scheme with the assistance of tracking devices fitted to each bike.

The Navyfit Loan Bike Scheme has already benefited many people at Portsmouth Naval Base, and the expansion of the scheme with more shelters around the site plus more bikes will further support the base’s drive for sustainable efficiency. 

The scheme relies on personnel returning the bikes to the designated shelters at the end of each journey to ensure that they are available for the next user – this support is essential to ensure smooth operation.