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Forest, one of London’s most affordable shared e-bike schemes, is expanding its ‘Friends of the Forest’ discount scheme to include those aged 60 and over.
The benefits of cycling in older age have been widely reported with a study showing that cyclists between the ages of 50 and 83 received the same health benefits from cycling an electric bike that younger people do riding on a pedal bike.
Nonetheless, the National Travel Survey reports that less than 25% of all over 60s have a bike compared to almost 50% of those between the ages of 40 and 49.
In bike sharing, users over the age of 55 currently constitute only 10% of e-bike users according to a recent COMO UK report.
Following feedback from London borough authorities in which councillors flagged their interest in offering subsidies for older users, Forest has added over 60s to its pre-existing ‘Friends of the Forest’ scheme.
The ‘Friends of the Forest’ scheme was launched in 2022 and allows NHS workers, students and emergency service workers to access 20% off all rides.
To apply for the scheme a user needs to: navigate to the “Free Minutes” section of the Forest app, click on the ‘Friends of the Forest’ option, upload a photo of their qualifying ID (ID showing age over 60 years old, student ID, NHS ID, or Blue Light Card) alongside a selfie holding the same qualifying ID next to their face.
The user will receive a confirmation email within 48 hours, confirming their enrolment and granting the 20% discount on all rides.
Laura Elms, Forest head of sustainability, said: “Following local feedback, we realised we were missing an important demographic from our discount scheme. We want to make our service as accessible and affordable as possible for everyone.
“This is particularly important for older generations who are underrepresented in shared bike schemes but benefit disproportionately from the health outcomes of cycling.”
