The dedicated team behind London’s famous Bike Shed community have been working hard over the past weeks to launch its 'Bike Shed Community Response Volunteer' scheme. 

The initiative with the aim to offer valuable support to the most vulnerable across the country during the COVID-19 crisis. 

Supported, in part by Indian Motorcycle, to help get the programme off the ground, Bike Shed have adapted and repurposed Gophr, an existing app for couriers, that coordinates the motorcycle community to collect and deliver important coronavirus supplies to those who need it most. 

Volunteers can dictate how much they can carry and the app provides them with tasks, such as taking PPE to hospitals and care homes or food to vulnerable people. No previous experience of couriering is required, and volunteers don’t need a specially adapted bike or advanced rider qualifications – just a road legal bike, motorcycle licence, insurance and a willingness to help.

Bike Shed’s Founder Anthony ‘Dutch’ van Sommeren commented: "The more people we have signed-up nationally, the bigger area we can cover. Right now most of our volunteers are in and around London but we want to expand quickly. We’re also working with disaster response specialists Team Rubicon, which could lead to people carrying medical supplies."

The volunteer force is already delivering Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), medicine and food to the UK's most vulnerable with Team Rubicon UK and supported by Indian Motorcycle, Gophr and Wavestone Carrières.

Want to get involved?

Volunteers are needed across the country, click here to find out more.