WITH climate change dominating a lot of the headlines both locally and nationally a Worcestershire housing provider has signed up to the city’s electric bike scheme.
Fortis Living is one of the first organisations to join the University of Worcester-led scheme – entitled Woo Bikes – which aims to encourage non-cyclists to take up cycling as a viable form of transport.
The project is supported by Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, Worcestershire County Council and Worcester City Council.
Large employers in Worcester can join up and identify how they can integrate cycling into both employee commuting and business trips made throughout the day.
Fortis employees decided to join the scheme to coincide with its move to a new site in Worcester – Central Park – due to take place later this summer.
The six e-bikes are equipped with a lithium-ion battery, allowing the bike’s motor to give cyclists a boost when needed.
The bikes are provided by local vacuum manufacture Gtech and will be maintained by Spokes, an arm of the Emily Jordan Foundation charity which works with people with learning disabilities based in Kidderminster.
Caroline Winnall, Fortis Living’s health and well being co-ordinator, said the organisation was delighted to be joining the scheme.
“By promoting such active travel, we are demonstrating our social responsibility whilst improving employee well being and, importantly, reducing our negative impact on the natural environment.”
Serena Jenner, Worcestershire County Council’s travel plan officers, added: “It is fantastic that Fortis Living is launching Woo Bikes as part of its Travel Plan aimed at helping staff travel to work by healthy and sustainable modes.
“We hope other companies will follow in their footsteps.”
Email Caroline at [email protected] or call her on 01905 670258 for more.
