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Beryl and Herefordshire Council are launching an innovative new addition to the bike and e-bike share scheme.
From November 30, four new e-cargo bikes will be available to hire across the city – the first time that they have been provided alongside other modes of sustainable transport as part of one integrated scheme.
The e-cargo bikes can be rented using the Beryl app from hubs on King Street and St Peter’s Square.
Fitted with an electric-assist motor for extra power, the bikes are ideal for transporting small to medium loads of up to 80kg, such as work tools, shopping or sports equipment.
They can be used on cycle lanes and roads, making them a sustainable alternative to vans and cars that helps reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion.
To help promote greater use and safer riding habits, Beryl are also giving e-cargo bike riders the chance to brush up on their skills and knowledge, by completing a special online quiz.
Phil Ellis, Beryl CEO and co-founder, said: “We know from other Beryl schemes that providing multiple modes encourages people to ride more, so it’s really exciting to launch our e-cargo bikes as part of an integrated system for the first time. Our e-cargo bike pilots have shown us that the vehicles can be incredibly useful to many, from businesses and tradespeople to families and individuals.
“They’re not only fun and sustainable, the storage gives them a wide range of uses and they’re a great way to stay active and avoid being sat in endless traffic queues, boosting your mental and physical health.
“They’re also extremely convenient and cost-effective when compared to private vehicle ownership, removing the burden of storage and maintenance as well as the costs of fuel, tax, MOT and insurance.”
The e-cargo bikes are being funded by the Midland Net Zero Hub, one of five local hubs across the UK that aim to facilitate investment into decarbonisation projects, increasing the number, quality and scale of those being delivered across the regions.
Beryl currently provides 200 bikes and 104 e-bikes for riders in Hereford to use, which have generated more than 376,000 journeys across 893,000 km since launch.
This has had a significantly positive impact on traffic congestion and air quality, replacing more than 103,000 private transport journeys (car, van, taxi, motorbike) and preventing over 34 tonnes of carbon emissions.
