Residents are being invited to borrow an e-bike for up to three months in a new scheme to promote sustainable travel in Gloucestershire.
The ‘Pedal Eazy’ project was agreed by the county council following a budget amendment put forward by the Green Party at a meeting earlier this year. The scheme is being run by the council’s Thinktravel team with the support of Gloucestershire Bike Project and Transition Stroud, and is open to anyone in the county.
The main aim of the Pedal Eazy Loan Scheme is to give people the chance to borrow an e-bike for up to three months and see how it can transform their travel and daily lives. Anyone aged 18 and over can borrow an e-bike through the scheme. To check availability and make a booking, contact Transition Stroud or Gloucestershire Bike Project.
E-bikes are hired on a monthly basis, with a maximum hire period of three months. It costs £70 per month for standard rental and £30 per month for jobseekers. If you decide to purchase a bike or accessories, all hire fees are refunded in the form of a bike voucher to encourage continued cycling.
For more information on the project and support with getting going, visit: https://www.thinktravel.info/cycling/pedal-eazy/
Cllr David Gray, cabinet member for environment, economy and planning at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “This is a great initiative which I hope will encourage more people in the county to try out e-bikes. They provide an opportunity to enjoy low-cost, sustainable travel for commuting, school runs, and leisure, and will help you save money, improve fitness and reduce your carbon footprint.”
Cllr Cate Cody, leader of the Green Party at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Many people have never used an e-bike and this excellent scheme gives the opportunity to try one. The benefits are significant; it’s healthy and environmentally more friendly than using cars, whilst also helping to keep congestion and pollution down. E-bikes enable people to travel further than by conventional bike too. In addition, there are cost savings so I would definitely encourage people to give it a go. Our group have all trialled e-bikes and are very impressed with the outcomes.”
