Drivers using a Bradford motor dealership are likely to arrive on four wheels and leave on two – thanks to an innovative green initiative.

Clive Brook Volvo on Canal Road is offering customers the option to borrow a bicycle instead of a traditional courtesy car when their own vehicle is undergoing servicing or repair.

The idea came about when staff noticed some customers were bringing bikes in with cars so they could cycle away rather than waiting while the work was completed.

Managing director Clive Brook said the plan had benefits for the firm. He said: “It’s cheaper from a supply and insurance point of view but its also cheaper for customers as there is no need to fill a bicycle up with petrol and there is also the convenience factor.

“Furthermore, there are significant environmental and health benefits so all in all we think it’s a great idea. At this stage we are probably preaching to the converted but I would hope the idea catches on and more people opt to use the cycles.

“Sometimes all our courtesy cars are in use but we should always have a bike available. Borrowing ours means customers do not have to think about packing their own bike.”

One customer who regularly takes advantage of the offer is Shipley-based man Mick Jeffrey He said: ‘I work as an architect only down the road, so whenever I take my car in for a service I usually run back to the office or use my own bike.

“I don’t think such a short journey warrants a courtesy car so when I found out about the bike offer I thought it was a great idea. I’m certainly an advocate of the scheme and when other people become aware of it I can see the idea taking off.

“I have bought a number of cars before from Clive Brook Volvo and this innovative idea is just another example of the type of forward thinking company they are.’ The ‘get on your bike’ scheme comes as cycle retailer Halfords highlighted a big rise in pedal power in the UK as commuters turned to cycling to qualify for tax breaks or beat the recession.

Halfords, which has branches in Valley Road, Bradford, and Keighley sold one million bicycles in the year to March for the second year in a row, reported “healthy” like-for-like sales growth from cycles.

It said 34,000 people bought bikes through the Government’s Cycle2Work scheme in the past year, an increase of 50 per cent .