Image: Welsh Government
Two electric bike loan schemes that have encouraged more local residents to swap their car for a bike in communities across Wales will receive additional funding for a further year, the Welsh Government has announced.
The E-Move scheme operated by Sustrans and Pedal Power’s ‘See Cycling Differently’ scheme have both been running with the help of Welsh Government funding since 2021.
Sustrans offers a range of battery assisted electric bikes for free, on medium-term loan, for local residents who do not cycle regularly or find the cost of electric bikes a barrier to using them.
The scheme which is operating in five locations across Wales – Rhyl, Swansea, Newtown (with links to Aberystwyth) and Barry – is estimated to have saved 600kg of CO2 in its first year, with users reporting a 39% drop in car journeys and a 76% positive impact on their wellbeing.
Pedal Power’s ‘See Cycling Differently’ project, which is aimed at increasing the inclusivity of cycling by offering a range of e-cycles, has also experienced similar success with an increase in regular and adaptive e-cycle riders and more people taking up their free e-cycle tasters.
Lee Waters, deputy minister for climate change with a responsibility for transport, said: “I am delighted that these Welsh Government funded schemes have been a great success.
“We need to do all we can to encourage more people to swap their car for a bike to travel shorter journeys.
“Cycling isn’t just better for the environment, it’s much cheaper than running a car and great for your mental and physical health too – as a regular cyclist myself, I know this is true. You should give it a try!”
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