THE country’s first network of free bike libraries is being launched as part of the legacy of Yorkshire's hosting of the Tour de France Grand Depart.

Five-time winner of the race Bernard Hinault was set to be joined by Yorkshire Tour legend Brian Robinson, the first Brit to win a stage of the Tour de France, to set the Yorkshire Bank Bike Libraries’ wheels in motion today (Friday, December 12).

People across Yorkshire are being asked to donate their old or unwanted bikes at places across the county, the first wave of which include Bike Rescue Project, York, Get Cycling, York, and York Cycleworks, York.

It is hoped that donation stations in other areas the race visited, such as the Yorkshire Dales, Harrogate and Ripon, will follow.

In the new year, community and not-for-profit groups will be able to bid for funding to run bike libraries, which will see donated bikes fixed and ready for people to borrow free of charge.

The scheme, following Yorkshire Bank signing a three-year deal with tourism body Welcome to Yorkshire, aims to give anyone, and particularly children, access to a bike.

Mr Hinault said: “The Tour in Yorkshire was incredible. I have never seen so many people out supporting the riders and it shows the passion for cycling here.

"That’s why this project is so important, as it can give our next generation the chance to experience cycling. I’d encourage anyone who can help to do so.”