GLASGOW is welcoming a free bike-ride scheme amid the cost of living crisis.

It comes as OVO Bikes has launched the plan to encourage cycling in Glasgow.

Glaswegians will be able to take repeat 20-minute rides between stations for free from today, July 14.

The "Free Ride Tuesdays"  initiative urges people to travel on two wheels for free once a week until autumn.

Users will need to end their ride and dock their bike before the 20 minutes are up to avoid being charged, but they will be able to then take a different bike and continue their journey for another 20 minutes.

On top of the new initiative, OVO Bikes push-bikes and e-bikes in Glasgow will be free to use for the duration of the UCI Cycling World Championships taking place in the city between August 3 and August 11 this year.

To take advantage of each offer, riders can use the OVO Bikes scheme as usual.

Jess Strangward, regional operations manager for Nextbike by TIER, said: “Getting around town by bike in the summer is one of life’s little pleasures.

“It can turn a commute from a chore into a fun way to get to work while getting a bit of exercise!

“We hope with Free Ride Tuesdays more people are inspired to try cycling and to see their city from a different perspective.

“We are also thrilled to be able to support Glasgow in the cycling spirit while they host the UCI Cycling World Championships next month.”

James Watts, head of brand sponsorship and experiential for OVO, said: “The summer period offers more opportunities to spend time outdoors and explore alternative modes of transport.

“We want to make sure that the OVO bikes are easily accessible to commuters so that people can enjoy the sunshine while lowering their carbon output.

“We’re particularly excited for the upcoming UCI Cycling World Championships next month, where we will be subsidising free rides in Glasgow across the duration of the event – our way of saying thank you for being on the path to zero.”