Shropshire Star

Get on your bike and go green in Shrewsbury

A special event showcasing the benefits of e-bikes is being held in Shrewsbury tomorrow - along with a free cycle ‘health check’ for anyone who turns up.

Published
Mel Grivell from Dave Mellor Cycles, Shrewsbury and Peter Gilbert from Shropshire Sustainable Transport with e-bikes

Sustainable Transport Shropshire have teamed up with Dave Mellor Cycles, Trek, and Shropshire Council who are hosting the event, to have up to 20 e-bikes, hybrid, folding and regular bikes available for people to try.

It will be held on the forecourt outside Shirehall between 12pm and 2pm and is aimed at raising awareness of clean alternatives for Shrewsbury that take the stress and sweat out of quick, cross-town journeys.

Seb Slater, of Shrewsbury BID, said: “Sustainable transport links and encouraging more people to explore all options for travelling into town are integral to the Big Town Plan, and we welcome this event which will show the public the benefits of e-cycles.

“Whether it’s climate change, car congestion or our need for exercise, it’s clear we must change how we do things.

“Cycling figures strongly in ongoing improvements in Shrewsbury with things like cycle routes and cycling infrastructure recognised as an important part of the strategy.”

Growing

E-bikes are a rapidly growing market thanks to recent advances in lithium-ion batteries. Powered mainly by pedals, they also have motor assistance for when you need it such as when pulling away from the lights or climbing hills up to a maximum of 15mph above which it’s pedal power only. There are many designs - some can convey young children together while e-cargo bikes enable fume free access to shops and businesses in town centres.

Peter Gilbert, of Sustainable Transport Shropshire, said the Shirehall event would offer the opportunity to test out an e-bike with experts from local retailers, plus provide information on the Cycle2Work tax free scheme.

“We believe that car drivers will love the latest e-cycles as they are often the quickest and most efficient way of getting to work or shops, or just for running errands,” he added. “The e-bikes are as versatile and easy to park as any cycle and their removable battery recharges from any 13-amp socket.

“We are grateful to Shropshire Council for hosting this showcasing event which promises to be the ‘opportunity of a lunchtime’ – perhaps the best 10-minute break of your year.”

Further information about the event can be obtained by contacting Peter at sustainabletransportshropshire@hotmail.com.