Free e-cycle scheme gives Leicester locals ticket to ride

Since launching in February 2023, free e-cycle loans and skills and confidence sessions have been snapped up by those looking to save money during the cost-of-living crisis and whizz to work with confidence.

By driving less and cycling more, people who have taken part in the scheme have cut down on shorter journeys to and from work, which previously they might have driven, and in doing so made the daily commute more enjoyable.

Jenny Box, deputy director of behaviour change at Cycling UK, said:

"It's great to see the success of Making cycling e-asier in Leicester and how well it has been received by residents. At a time when we're all looking at ways to cut costs, being able to save money on the commute through using an e-bike can make a difference.

"We're helping anyone living in Leicester who wants to see if e-cycling could be for them. Making cycling e-asier loans and skills and confidence sessions are completely free. As people struggle with the impact on the cost of living and look for greener ways to travel, we hope we can help many more people to consider e-cycling as an everyday affordable mode of transport."

Leicester residents can access free one-month e-cycle loans from Evans Cycles, alongside loans and skills and confidence sessions from Making cycling e-asier community hubs Leicester Bike Park and Crown Hills Community College, and workplace Samworth Brothers.

Funded by the Department for Transport, Making cycling e-asier is a free e-cycle scheme run by Cycling UK. Leicester residents can access free skills and confidence sessions and free one-month e-cycle loans, giving them the tools to feel safe and comfortable e-cycling regularly.

People can sign up and find more information about the scheme via Cycling UK's website.

Making cycling e-asier delivers part of the prime minister's ambitious Cycling and Walking Plan (Gear Change) to boost cycling and walking, with a vision for half of all journeys in towns and cities to be cycled or walked by 2030.

Confirmed Making cycling e-asier partners, supporting the delivery include, Evans Cycles, Raleigh Bikes, Specialized, Tier Mobility, Islabikes, Wheels for All, Bikeworks, Fusion Media, Modeshift, Cyclescheme, Bike Right, Sharebike, Transport for Quality of Life.

For more information, please visit cyclinguk.org/making-cycling-e-asier.

(Source & Image: Cycling UK)