A NEW cycling scheme has been revealed in a bid to get more city residents to saddle up and swap four wheels for two, writes Tom Banner.
The Woo Bikes scheme is a joint partnership between the University of Worcester, Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, Worcester City Council and technology firm Gtech.
The scheme is initially being piloted by staff and students of Worcester University but it is hoped it will be rolled out to other areas in the future.
50 e-bikes, provided by G-Tech will be available to hire for a 24 hour period, each one equipped with a lithium ion battery which allows the bike’s motor to give the rider a speed boost when required.
Spokes, a project within the Kidderminster-based Emily Jordan Foundation charity, will maintain the bikes and Fleet Innovations, in Kidderminster, will provide GPS tracking.
Katy Boom, Director of Sustainability at the University of Worcester, said: “We are delighted to offer these e-bikes to our students and staff as a convenient, fun and healthy means of travelling and to lead on such a significant project for the City.
“Our students have been assisting with this exciting project, which also builds on our reputation for and shows our commitment to sustainability.”
Gtech founder Nick Grey, said: “I really like this idea. It’s great to see people working together from several organisations with the shared aim of improving the transport of the city in a forward-looking environmentally friendly way.”
More than half of the £87,000 cost of the initiative is being met by the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership.
Chief executive Gary Woodman, said: “The Woo Bikes scheme is a fantastic project that is already drawing support from local Worcestershire businesses in a unique collaboration.
“We are delighted to have invested in this scheme to provide the city with access to Gtech’s innovative sustainable transport.”
One of the key aims of the scheme is to encourage more cycling in Worcester in the future. Regular have-a-go and taster sessions will be held to give university students the chance to try out the e-bikes starting from April.
Coun John Smith, cabinet member for Health and Well-being at Worcestershire County Council, said: “Cycle hire schemes can be a good way to encourage cycling, for people who want to gain confidence on the roads or find the initial cost to be a barrier.
“This project, incorporating easy-to-use electric bikes, will give people a convenient, low cost option for getting around Worcester.”
Visit www.worcester.ac.uk/discover/bike-share for more information.
