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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire June 22, 2016 11:46:22 AM
Published on Wednesday, 22nd June 2016 in Cycling - information and advice news
Local businesses and residents are being encouraged to re-discover the joy and convenience of cycling following the arrival of a fleet of electric bikes in Rotherham.
The new fleet of 65 electric bikes has landed following an award of funding by Carplus-Bikeplus and the Department for Transport through the Shared Electric Bike Programme.
At the official launch event held outside Riverside House, Commissioner Julie Kenny CBE DL said, “This is a real boost for cycling in Rotherham. Cycling more can help cut congestion whilst also providing a healthy and affordable transport option. The electric bikes are also great fun to ride.”
Councillor Denise Lelliott, Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, who is a keen advocate of cycling and the role that electric bikes play in promoting the move to cycling said, “By 2020, we want four out of five local journeys to be by bike, foot or public transport. It's a big challenge, but this new fleet of electric bikes will really help us lead the way.”
Transport Minister Andrew Jones supported the new electric bike loan scheme in Rotherham. He said, “Electric bikes are a great way to encourage new people to get into cycling and I hope this interesting scheme encourages more people to take it up. Cycling helps cut congestion and is a healthy, affordable transport option. We want to double the number of journeys made by bicycle. That is why we are also investing over the next five years in cycle training and infrastructure.”
Antonia Roberts, Bikeplus Manager added, “Carplus-Bikeplus is keen to know what contribution shared electric bikes can make to sustainable transport and find out what sort of people are attracted to electric bikes in different contexts, and why.”
The new fleet of electric bikes will be used as part of the Journey Matters mobile bike scheme, which aims to attract people into cycling as a convenient way to commute. Through the Journey Matters mobile cycling hub, electric bikes are loaned to employees of Rotherham-based business, as well as residents, for free for up to four weeks.
All the important supporting equipment such as bike lights, a lock and helmet are provided. Bikes are also maintained throughout the loan period and participants are supported through cycle training. In addition to the new fleet of electric bikes, a range of pedal and folding bikes are available for people to try for free through the Journey Matters cycle hub.
The Journey Matters team will be working closely with local sustainable travel partners Inmotion!, to drive awareness of cycling as a commuting option and to encourage businesses and their staff to give cycling a go.
To find out more about the Journey Matters cycle hub, arrange the free loan of an electric bike, and see the range of services on offer visit the website or call them on the number below.
Visit Journey Matters websiteimage
Call 01709 910713image
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