Date issued: 15 December 2020
Local businesses and organisations are being encouraged to reduce their carbon footprint by signing up to a new green transport scheme.
A fleet of 25 electric cargo bikes and five electric trailers are now operating in the borough with several available to trial, as part of Colchester Borough Council’s pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030.
Nine local organisations and four council teams are championing the eCargo bikes and will be encouraging others to try them too. There are five eCargo bikes and one eTrailer available to local businesses and organisations to try out for short-term loans.
The three-year trial of the bikes has been funded by a successful bid for £136,912 from the Energy Savings Trust.
The zero-emissions bikes need less kerb space to make deliveries and collections and offer quicker access around streets, as they can avoid the traffic by using bus lanes, cycle paths and other routes unavailable to cars and vans.
As well as reducing carbon emissions, the bikes can also help to support a healthier workforce.
To use the bikes people must be trained to Bikeability Level 3, a cycle training programme which provides practical skills and understanding of how to cycle on today’s roads.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned cyclist, Bikeability provides the opportunity to learn new skills, improve knowledge and build your confidence.
Cllr Martin Goss, Colchester Council’s Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, said: “I’m delighted we have been able to work with our project champions to deploy this brand-new fleet of eco-friendly bikes. I would encourage local businesses and other organisations that are looking to reduce their carbon emissions to join this innovative scheme.
“Sustainable methods of transport, such as eCargo bikes, are a great way for the council, local businesses and other organisations to reduce our collective carbon footprint, as their effect is immediate.
“Even before the pandemic highlighted the crucial role transport plays in our everyday lives, we were committed to taking action to meet our ambitious 2030 net carbon zero target by supporting sustainable journeys.
“If the climate emergency wasn’t reason enough to look at greener transport systems, the coronavirus crisis has forced us to think about alternative ways to travel and for businesses to move goods around. Along with a raft of other measures as part of our Climate Emergency plans, the fleet of new e-cargo bikes will help lead to cleaner air, less congested streets and healthier lives.”
Any business or organisation wanting to find out more about trialling an eCargo bike should email: ecargobikelibrary@colchester.gov.uk
Find out more: www.colchester.gov.uk/ecargobikelibrary
Page last reviewed: 15 December 2020