THE first bicycle to be used by paramedics in a congested city centre has been preserved in a museum, despite being less than three years old.

York's "ambu-bike" has been donated to the York Castle Museum after the ambulance service was given an updated model by a local business.

The bicycle was introduced in May 2001 to respond to emergencies in the city centre, and was ridden by paramedic Mark Inman.

Cycle Heaven, from York, has provided a replacement for the 27-gear Scott Tacana mountain bike, which has been donated to the museum, where it will be displayed in the entrance area.

Sherri Steel, curator of social history for York Museums Trust, said: "We have a collection of bikes, which ranges from Penny Farthings to a Raleigh Chopper, but we have not got a modern mountain bike, so this fits in very well.

"The bike means we will now be able to draw a historical line right through from the 18th Century to the present day.

"It will also enhance our entire social history collection as it is part of the history of the city of York."

The ambulance service's Life-Cycle scheme has gone from strength to strength since its inception, and now employs two full-time and two part-time cycling paramedics.

They attend the majority of calls within two minutes, helping release ambulances for emergencies elsewhere.

Mr Inman said: "Life-Cycle has become a familiar part of life in the city centre, and it is all part of modern history.

"It is not often we would be able to give such a quality piece of equipment to a museum, but thanks to Cycle Heaven providing a replacement, it has been possible."

Published: 08/01/04