Waitrose is encouraging shoppers to save money and get healthier by cycling to their local stores, with the loan of special branded cycle trailers.

Available at 24 Waitrose stores across the UK during January and February and equipped with large canvas shopping bags, the trailers are loaned out free of charge to any Waitrose customers who wish to use them.

Waitrose assistant project manager Nicky Snelgrove says: “By introducing the cycle trailers into more of our branches we hope to encourage shoppers to think about using alternative methods of transport. Were confident they will be well received as many customers already engage in other initiatives such as our Bag for Life scheme. Shoppers using the trailers will probably get their food home quicker than most, not to mention saving fuel and transport costs!”

Customers register for the scheme at a shop’s Welcome Desk; a special bracket will then be attached beneath their bicycle saddle, allowing them to clip the trailer onto their bike. Shoppers can reserve trailers before they start to shop and collect them before leaving the branch.

Waitrose branches also have designated cycle spaces, either directly outside the shop or close by, for customers to park their bikes while carrying out their shopping.

Customers can keep the trailers for up to three days so that they don’t have to return them on the same day that they carry out their shopping.