COMMUNITY groups and residents in North Yorkshire are being encouraged to apply for funding to set up their own “bike libraries” to get more children cycling.

Since the first Yorkshire Bank Bike Library opened last June, more than 2,000 unwanted bikes have been donated to the initiative and 21 bike libraries opened across Yorkshire.

The Yorkshire Bank has now released a third round of enterprise funding to hep not-for-profit organisations wanting to set up a library and to allow the legacy of the Tour de France and Tour de Yorkshire live on by increasing access to cycling to young people.

The project can offer marketing and PR support and has a network of donation stations to help libraries source bikes.

Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “The third round of funding is an ode to the success of the Bike Libraries and brings us even closer to our goals of giving every child in Yorkshire the chance to discover the joy of cycling.”

The first two rounds of funding helped existing groups to expand and attracted new volunteers who have set up cycle coaching, maintenance and safety classes at their local community centres and schools.

Each library is different and some offer short and long term loans, skills and training sessions, family rides or specially adapted bikes. Applications are welcomed from all types of community groups.

For those interested in applying for funding, please visit; www.bikelibraries.co.uk/enterprise-fund. The deadline for applications is March 4.

Bikes are still needed and welcome in any condition, to be repaired and lent back out, or even used for spare parts. Donation stations can be found via; http://cycle.yorkshire.com/bikelibraries/donation-stations