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Environmentally-conscious residents at a new housing development in Leicester are getting on their bikes thanks to a housing association.

Housing and regeneration group LHA-ASRA is offering Halfords vouchers to all residents at Knighton Lane, in Aylestone, so they can buy a bike and get fit while being kind to the environment. And with petrol prices rocketing in recent months, riding a bike is the cheap travel option too.

The vouchers, which are worth over £100, can be exchanged for either a men’s or women’s bike, as well as a helmet and a lock.

One of the residents, Alicia Burke, said: “I think it’s a great idea and I’m really pleased with my new bike. I always cycle to work now– it’s much better than sitting in the traffic.”

Residents who may not fancy travelling on two wheels can choose a three month bus pass, valid on all First buses around Leicester, with the option to extend it for an extra month.

Emily Braham, Programme Delivery Officer at LHA-ASRA added: “We want to encourage as many of our residents as possible to start cycling or using public transport for short journeys around the city.

“LHA-ASRA is committed to doing all we can to help the environment, and this scheme also helps to ease congestion at rush hour. It’s a really easy way to keep fit too for those who have opted for bikes.”

 The Knighton Lane development comprises 21 affordable apartments, including 12 for New Build HomeBuy shared ownership. The scheme enables people to buy part of the home with a mortgage and then pay less than market rent on the remainder. In a falling market shared ownership can protect against negative equity.

It also has an Eco Homes rating of Very Good, which means residents have lower gas and electricity bills because the insulation is of a very high standard.