A HEREFORD garage is offering customers a courtesy bike service while their cars are being serviced.

Instead of the usual replacement car, South Hereford Garages has teamed up with city retailer Climb on Bikes to offer drivers a greener alternative and a chance to reduce their own carbon footprint.

The bikes come with locks, helmets and a carrier for business luggage such as briefcases.

“I hadn’t been on a bike for a while but it was very convenient,” said Dan Brearey, who works in Hereford and brought his Golf GTI into the garage for a service.

“It was much easier to get into town, parking was no problem and I could come and go as I pleased.

“Although everyone is talking about the need to reduce our carbon footprint, I haven’t heard of anyone else offering this service before.”

Colin Barker, after-sales director at the garage, said the scheme is really starting to pick up, with at least two or three regulars taking them up on the offer each week.

Previously, customers to the Volkswagen garage on Centurion Way either had to wait while their car was being serviced, take advantage of a courtesy car, or use a shuttle bus service to and from St Peter’s Square.

Motorists can still use these methods, but are being given the opportunity to become more environmentally friendly.

“For customers who are comfortable riding a bike, the chance to cycle into town is an all-round sensible idea,” said Clive Beacon, of Climb on Bikes in Coningsby Street.

“If they enjoy the experience, they are more than welcome to come and buy their own bike from us.”