Cycling revolution goes electric in Exeter

Transport Minister, Andrew Jones, announced on Monday 28 September that cycle-hire schemes across the country will receive hundreds of electric bikes to make cycling more accessible.

E-bikes offer battery-assisted pedalling at the flick of a switch, making it easier for people who are keen to cycle more but who may be put off by hilly routes or not having cycled regularly.

Andrew Jones said: “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.

“Cycling helps cut congestion and is a healthy, affordable transport option.”

Winners of the £700,000 fund include commuter cycle-hubs at railway stations and park & rides and a tourist hire scheme for cycle-getaways on the Isle of Wight

In Exeter cycle hire scheme Nextbike and First Great Western have teamed up and announced that 22 electrically assisted pedal cycles will be delivered to railway stations and business parks.

The winning schemes will offer a variety of opportunities to hire the e-bikes devised by local organisations across the country and regular users will benefit from registering with local car clubs to use the e-bikes for as little as £1.00 an hour.

Alistair Kirkbride, Director of Carplus, an organisation that will assist many of the successful schemes, said: "Electric bikes have been shown to encourage more people to cycle more often. By supporting electric cycles in shared bikes networks it will enable a greater number of people to enjoy the benefits in more locations.”