Leicester offers residents e-bike trials for a month free of charge
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
Leicester residents are being offered the chance to borrow an e-bike free of charge as part of a new extended scheme to encourage more people to travel on two wheels. Would-be cyclists can loan an e-bike for one month as part of Cycling UK’s making cycling e-asier campaign.
For those whose cycling skills are rusty, or who may be a little nervous, Cycling UK will also be offering free skills and confidence sessions. Leicester residents will be able to access the scheme until October 2023. Cycling UK reports more than 6,000 residents will be able to try out an e-bike during the scheme funded by the Department for Transport.
Blue Kang, who borrowed an e-cycle, said: “Having heard about the scheme, I was so pleased to see it launching in Leicester and immediately signed up. I haven't ridden a bicycle for 45 years whilst driving cars, so now aged 63 and semi-retired, having an e-bike was helpful in keeping me active, but also for getting me out and about.
"It really gave me the confidence to get back cycling and be conscious and aware of what's happening on the roads. Then I ventured around local cycle routes and saw amazing places which were not visible when driving in a car on main roads. I would honestly and highly recommend this to anyone regardless of age, it's been such a wonderful and enjoyable experience."
Councillor Adam Clarke, deputy city mayor for Leicester City Council, said: “Since 2012, we have invested more than £70m in creating cycling-friendly streets, people-friendly public squares, public transport hubs and cycle tracks along main roads – and this work is continuing, with work getting under way now to link up a new route from Lubbesthorpe into the city. Making cycling as easy and safe as possible is key in changing the way people choose to travel and helping to tackle the climate emergency.