People looking to get hold of a 50 euro motorcycle repair voucher were disappointed after the crash at launch.
Boris Johnson’s ambitious plan to bring British cycling got off to a rough start due to the ‘extreme volume’ of other people looking to sign up for the coupon program.
Hopeful cyclists were greeted with an “Error 404” message when they tried to attach it to the online page when it was introduced at 11:45 p.m. Tuesday.
The government has awarded 50,000 Fix Your Bike vouchers worth up to 50 euros for popular maintenance and component replacement as part of a 2 billion euro program to encourage active travel.
Those who controlled access to the online page were informed: “Due to excessive traffic volumes, this resource has been temporarily suspended while we take steps to improve user performance. Check back later in the day.”
On Wednesday morning, the online page posted a message stating that there were no coupons available lately, but that more would be posted.
A Spokesman for the Department of Transportation said: “The Fix Your Bike online coupon page was disconnected through the Energy Saving Trust this morning due to strong interest.
“The coupons are gradually being distributed to reflect the capacity of the motorcycle repairers enrolled in the program and more will soon be obtained.”
Cyclists turned to social media to express their sadness and the volume of court cases, so the hashtag #FixYourBikeVoucherScheme has become the number one trend on Twitter in the UK within 90 minutes of the site’s planned launch.
Those who manage to get a bonus can use it in any motorcycle repair shop in the program.
Vouchers can be used to cover the cost of securing a motorcycle for use on public roads; however, they include updating race parts or purchasing detachable accessories such as lighting fixtures or helmets.
The 2 billion pound investment in greener travel, announced in February, also includes thousands of kilometres of new motorcycle lanes, bike training, making electric motorcycles more available and creating the UK’s first emission-free shipping city.