Encouraging community cycling and physical activity: a user survey of a community bicycle loan scheme.

The public health benefits of cycling are well-recognised. Individual health benefits include reduced risk of mortality, morbidity and obesity. Environmental health benefits include reduced pollutants, carbon emissions and traffic congestion. To promote community cycling and reduce the landfill requirement for discarded bicycles, Fairfield City Council in 2007 established the Western Sydney Cycling Network (WSCN), which incorporates a bicycle donation, recycling and loan program. Although targeted for the Fairfield area, anyone is able to borrow a recycled bicycle and new helmet for an indefinite period for $25.