‘Supercharged’ cycling comes to Rotherham

12.00 | 28 June 2016 | | 1 comment

Local businesses and residents in Rotherham are being encouraged to re-discover the ‘joy and convenience of cycling’ following the arrival of a fleet of electric bikes.

The new fleet of 65 electric bikes is a result of funding provided by Carplus-Bikeplus and the DfT through the Shared Electric Bike Programme.

The bikes are being made available as part of Rotherham’s Journey Matters scheme, which aims to attract people into cycling as a convenient way to commute. Through Journey Matters, electric bikes are loaned to residents and employees of Rotherham-based business for free for up to four weeks.

Supporting equipment including bike lights, a lock and helmet are provided, bikes are 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 initiative is being supported by Andrew Jones, transport minister, who 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.”

Councillor Denise Lelliott, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, 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.”


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    Without knowing how many local journeys are currently made using one of the council’s favoured modes, the size of Councillor Denise Lelliott’s “big challenge” will remain a complete mystery to the rest of us. I wonder why we were only given half of the story – again.


    Charles, England
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