The Energy Saving Trust says eCargo bikes are “an attractive low carbon transport option”, after announcing which local authorities will benefit from a share of £1.2 million in funding.
The eCargo Bike Grant Fund local authority scheme, supported by the DfT, aims to encourage the large-scale uptake of eCargo bikes.
Those successful applications awarded in 2021 offered a ‘broad range of inspiring, exciting initiatives’.
Coventry City Council, for example, plans to introduce a project called the City of eCargo Culture, which will demonstrate to a large audience how eCargo bikes are a viable last mile solution in the compact city centre environment.
Meanwhile, Salford City Council aims to offer a ‘try before you buy’ scheme for local businesses, where they can trial a range of ecargo bikes by making use of a bike library.
In total, 14 local authorities were provided funding for 224 eCargo bikes, trailers and storage units.
Tim Anderson, head of transport at the Energy Saving Trust, said: “We are inspired by the quality and innovation of those local authority applications to the eCargo Bike Grant Fund local authority scheme 2021.
“eCargo bikes are an attractive low carbon transport option and offer impressive fuel cost savings, while contributing to improved local air quality. We hope this funding will encourage local authorities to benefit from an eCargo bike culture as we look to the future and continue to drive the transport agenda.
Trudy Harrison, cycling and walking minister, said: “eCargo bikes have huge potential in helping us to decarbonise transport, cut congestion and clean up the air in our towns and cities across the country.
“We’re committed to helping businesses switch to greener forms of transport, so I’m delighted the UK Government is funding worthwhile initiatives such as these.”
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