Nationwide cycle and motor accessories retailer Halfords has launched the 'Halfords Xchange' second hand bike scheme.

The scheme is said to be designed to ease pressure on the demand for new bikes and bring used bikes within reach of people on lower incomes.

Halfords, which has stores in Gloucester, Cheltenham and Stroud, conducted research back in 2020 revealing that there were up to even million unused bikes being stored in garages and sheds across the country. The retailer believes millions of these serviceable bicycles could be given a second life.

Whether looking for an upgrade or getting rid of a bike they no longer use, customers can use the Halfords Xchange to trade in there old adults or childrens bike and in return get up to £250 to spend on anything in store.

Halfords' staff will then assess, repair and refurbish the bikes so they are ready for a new owner, complete with a 12-month warranty.

Graham Stapleton, chief executive of Halfords said: ""With demand for bikes so high, well-publicised supply chain constraints, and a cost-of-living crisis on the horizon, it can't be right that so many perfectly good bicycles are being left to gather dust in sheds and garages.

"Even if people don't want to trade in their old bike for a new one, they can do their wallet a power of good by taking advantage of the Halfords Xchange. Just as important, they're giving somebody who might not otherwise be able to afford it the chance to own a properly serviced, quality assured bike."

Halfords also estimates that every 100,000 bikes sold via the scheme will save 16,000 tonnes of Co2 a year.

"There is a clear role for a trusted brand to get good bikes back on the road, helping more people access one of the greenest and healthiest forms of transport there is," added Mr Stapleton.

"The government says it wants to usher in a new golden age of cycling. Getting unused bikes back on the road is one small contribution to achieving that goal."