suffolk county council
London
Workers at ABP’s Port of Ipswich are plugging in to an e-bike trial scheme with
Suffolk County Council. The council’s Way To Go Suffolk team, which helps people
to travel sustainably, has launched a scheme for businesses where employees are
encouraged to ditch the car and try out an electric bike free of charge.
Employees can choose to trial commuting for a week at a time with some of the
bikes, whilst others are used as pool bikes allowing staff to pop out at
lunchtime for a break and some exercise. The Port of Ipswich is the first
organisation to get involved with the scheme, having taken delivery of eight
e-bikes for a trial period of three months. The bikes are supplied by e-bike
rental provider Hurrecane. They have a range of around 50 miles and, other than
punctures, are covered with a call-out service for any breakdowns and repairs.
They are different to conventional bikes as they are powered by a battery to
assist the rider, increasing the distance that someone can cycle. The council is
initially looking to work with organisations that have at least 50 employees and
are based in a large town environment. Councillor Alexander Nicoll, Suffolk
County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy, said: “Cycling is
ideal for short journeys in an urban environment, where we need to reduce car
use if we are to address congestion and air pollution. “Excellent schemes such
as this will help encourage people out of the car, freeing up road space for
those who really need it and improving the environment for all of us.” Paul
Ager, Divisional Port Manager for East Anglia of ABP said: “We are delighted to
be the first organisation to partner with Suffolk County Council on this trial
e-bike scheme. “ABP is committed to reducing emissions, as well as supporting
the health and wellbeing of all employees. “With the use of the eight bikes, we
have the opportunity to test alternative, greener ways of getting to work and
staying healthy.” For more details of the scheme email the Way To Go team at
Suffolk County Council at thewaytogosuffolk@suffolk.gov.uk PICTURE CAPTION: Paul
Ager, left, Divisional Port Manager for East Anglia for Associated British
Ports, and Councillor Alexander Nicoll with Port of Ipswich e-bike scheme users
Andris Abitkins, Dean Trigg, and Richard Lungley.
