THE FIRS SUFFOLK – CYCLE HIRE TERMS & CONDITIONS

Owned and operated by Pritchard Banham Creative Partnership

The following Terms & Conditions apply to all cycle and equipment hires at The Firs Suffolk. By hiring a bike or equipment, you agree to these terms.

1. GENERAL TERMS OF HIRE

1.1 Quality & Care

We provide well-maintained, high-quality bikes and equipment. To keep hire costs reasonable, we ask customers to use all equipment responsibly and return it in the condition it was provided.

1.2 Booking & Contract Formation

Bikes may be hired by completing our Cycle Hire Agreement or by accepting these terms via our online booking system.
A binding contract is formed once your booking is accepted.
The Firs Suffolk reserves the right to refuse or cancel a booking at our discretion.

1.3 Availability

All hire is subject to availability.
If a booking is made on behalf of others, the person making the booking confirms they have authority to do so and accepts responsibility on behalf of the whole group.

1.4 Hire Period

The hire period begins when the bike/equipment is collected or delivered to you, and ends when it is returned to The Firs Suffolk in the condition it was hired.

2. HIRER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 Fitness & Health

You are responsible for ensuring you are physically fit and able to ride.
The Firs Suffolk accepts no liability for illness, injury, or inability to complete your planned activity.

2.2 Risks of Cycling

Cycling on public roads carries inherent risks. You hire and ride entirely at your own risk.
We strongly recommend wearing a helmet at all times.

2.3 Safe & Responsible Use

You agree to:

Ride safely and responsibly
Follow the Highway Code
Not endanger yourself or others
Not carry out stunts or misuse the equipment
Not ride under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication, or while fatigued

You indemnify The Firs Suffolk against all claims relating to injury or damage caused during your hire.

2.4 Insurance

We recommend that you have your own suitable insurance throughout your hire period.

2.5 Care of Equipment

You are responsible for all hired bikes and equipment.
You must:

Keep items secure and safe
Prevent theft, loss, or damage
Use equipment properly and avoid misuse or unfair wear

2.6 Damage & Neglect

Damage caused by crashes, neglect or improper use is chargeable to the hirer.

2.7 Loss, Damage or Theft

You must inform us immediately of any loss, damage or theft.
You are responsible for the full cost of repair or replacement where applicable.

2.8 No Disposal or Transfer

You may not sell, loan, dispose of or intentionally part with the bike or equipment.

2.9 Support During Hire

Our team may be available by phone or email to provide assistance, but availability cannot be guaranteed.
Setting up, adjusting and maintaining the bike during the hire period is your responsibility.

3. PAYMENT & CANCELLATION TERMS

3.1 Payment & Cancellation

Payment is due in full at the time of booking.

Cancellation fees:

Up to 1 month before hire: 5% admin fee
Up to 2 weeks before hire: 20% of hire cost
Up to 3 days before hire: 50% of hire cost
1 day before hire: 75% of hire cost
Day of hire: 100% of hire cost

Exceptional circumstances may be considered at our discretion.

3.2 Hire Charges

You agree to pay the full hire cost as stated at the time of booking.

3.3 Late Returns

Late returns are charged at twice the standard daily hire rate for each full or part day late.

3.4 Deposits

We may require credit/debit card details or a refundable deposit depending on the bike’s value and our assessment of risk.

Deposits are returned when:

All bikes/equipment are returned undamaged
All items are returned within the agreed hire period and at the agreed location

3.5 Non-Compliance

If bikes/equipment are returned damaged or late, or the terms in 3.4 are not met, you will be charged the reasonable cost of repair, replacement, or additional hire fees.

3.6 Wear & Tear

Normal wear and tear (as defined by the manufacturer) is included in the hire price.

3.7 Use of Deposits

Security deposits may be applied towards damage, loss, late returns or additional charges as outlined above.

4. COVID-RELATED CHANGES

4.1 Postponements Due to Restrictions

If government restrictions prevent your hire, we will move your booking to a new date free of charge.

4.2 Positive COVID Test

If you test positive before your hire date, we may move your booking on receipt of proof (email required prior to hire date).

5. PERSONAL SAFETY

5.1 You ride entirely at your own risk.
5.2 Cycling can result in injury or death from environmental conditions or collisions.
5.3 Novice cyclists should be supervised by an experienced rider.
5.4 Do not ride under the influence of alcohol, drugs, strong medication, or while fatigued.

6. OUR LIABILITY

6.1 Liability for Negligence

We accept liability for death, personal injury or direct loss caused by our negligence, up to the limits stated below.

6.2 Exclusions

We are not liable for loss or damage resulting from:

Your own acts or omissions
Acts of third parties
Events beyond our control (weather, strikes, road closures etc.)
Indirect or consequential loss

6.3 Liability Limit

Except for death or personal injury caused by negligence, our liability is limited to the total cost of your hire.

6.4 Force Majeure

We have no liability where we cannot fulfil a hire due to events beyond our control.

6.5 Data Protection

Your personal data will be handled securely and used only for hire-related purposes unless consent is given otherwise.

7. GENERAL TERMS

7.1 These terms form the entire agreement between us.
7.2 All notices must be in writing.
7.3 No failure to enforce a term constitutes a waiver.
7.4 If any clause is found invalid, the remainder still applies.
7.5 These terms confer no rights on third parties.
7.6 These terms are governed by English law and disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.