GREEN-MINDED businesses and organisations are being urged to get on their e-Cargo bikes.
A new free-trial scheme aimed at encouraging businesses, organisations, community and voluntary groups across Stratford district to use electric bikes instead of cars and vans for local deliveries, is being launched in the spring.
Stratford District Council’s e-Cargo bike scheme will see the authority buy ten e-Cargo bikes – five EP2 e-Cargo bikes and five Alecs e-Cargo trikes – after securing £60,000 in government funding.
The council will be providing match funding of £60,000 over a five-year period to cover the ongoing costs for maintenance, servicing, repairs and initial training.
The scheme will allow local businesses and organisations to have the bikes on trial for free for up to three-months – meaning they do not have to make a financial commitment to purchase their own e-Cargo bikes until they have seen whether they will benefit from them.
The scheme has been set up in collaboration with the Energy Saving Trust and Stratford-based Pashley Cycles which is providing the e-Cargo bikes.
SDC climate change spokesman Coun Ian Shenton said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses and organisations to sign up to test the scheme out and see if it suits their needs.
“They are robust, chunky cycles with a sturdy box, which cost almost nothing to run, do not emit any pollutants, unlike vans and cars and can help reduce air pollution.
“There’s some amazing local businesses and organisations who are really passionate about the environment and want to do more. We are really pleased to help them access a greener way to travel and deliver their services. I can’t wait to see them on the road.
“Once launched, I really hope that seeing the e-Cargo bikes in use will encourage other businesses and organisations across the District, to give one a go helping Stratford District become greener and contribute to South Warwickshire’s climate change ambitions.”
Any business, organisation, community and voluntary group interested in taking part in the free trial scheme should email [email protected]
