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Source THEIR wings may be symbolic but their wheels are definitely not. Hull Street Angels Trinity will be zooming to revellers' aid on bikes during their tours of the city centre. The group of about 17 volunteers currently operate on foot around the city centre, making sure late-night party-goers stay safe. But, after bidding for funding from Awards For All England, they have been able to buy two high-spec bikes to help them get about quicker. Luke Cardwell, volunteer co-ordinator, said: "What we are essentially launching is Street Angels on wheels. The idea is so they can respond to incidents quicker." The cycle responders will go out on key nights of the year, including the last Saturday of the month and bank holidays. Four of the 17 volunteers will be trained up ready for launch next Friday. Each bike will be kitted out with first-aid equipment and will also carry a defibrillator, among other items. "Each of the volunteers have had cycle responder training and they have also had training on being able to handle and use a defibrillator in a CPR situation, should it be needed," said Mr Cardwell. The project has secured the funding for a year. It will then need to be reassessed by the group, but the team hopes it will be able to continue. "We feel it is needed to cover a greater area around the city centre," said Mr Cardwell. "We know the cycle responder project has worked well in other cities, so we are using that model and being able to get their sooner. Particularly on busy nights, even the emergency services can be tied up with incidents." Those on foot patrol currently operate on Friday and Saturday evenings and help with everything from rehydration to offering flip-flops to the heel-weary and foil blankets. They also help people to find a safe way home. Mr Cardwell said the cycle project will allow them to have a stronger presence outside of the Old Town, where they are less well-known. "Because we are in high-vis as well, it will make people in the bars in the new town a bit more aware of us because, traditionally, we started off in the Old Town," he said. "Now we cover the Old Town and the new town, but we are not as well known in the new town." Mr Cardwell said the cycle service will work alongside the emergency services as the volunteers on foot currently do. "They are definitely not replacing any paramedic service or anything like that," said Mr Cardwell. "We are working alongside them. "They will be linking in with the door staff and CCTV and the other emergency services." As well as working with the emergency services, the volunteers will stay in contact with volunteers walking the streets to ensure the service runs efficiently. For more information about Hull Street Angels Trinity and volunteering opportunities, visit www.hullstreetangelstrinity.org.uk  Comments are closed.
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