Cycling UK launches ‘Cycling made e-asy’ programme

Cycling UK launches ‘Cycling made e-asy’ programme to help the nation try e-cycling and accelerate shift to active travel.

12th May 2022 – Cycling UK has today announced the launch of ‘Cycling made e-asy’
which sees up to £8 million of investment from Department for Transport from 2022 –
2023 to offer free e-cycle loans in pilot areas across England.
This investment will enable Cycling UK to roll-out an innovative new pilot programme
focusing on electric cycles, making them freely available for people who would not
normally consider cycling. The initiative is being launched in five places across England,
starting with greater Manchester.
Supported by an expert consortium of industry partners, Cycling UK will be providing
free loans, lasting up to three months, of electric cycles giving local communities the
opportunity to get around by e-cycle including adapted e-cycle. The programme aims to
dispel common myths and build awareness of e-cycles. E-cycles enable people of all
ages to cycle with assistance, making hills and journeys easier.
E-cycles will be made available at hubs in each pilot location with branches of Evans
Cycles, local community spaces, selected workplaces and education settings being
used to roll out the scheme with an aim to have 12,000 individuals trying e-cycles in the
12 months of the pilot scheme.
This e-cycle programme 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.
Cycling UK’s extensive experience of engaging with underrepresented groups means
they recognise the barriers, challenges and perceptions that can deter people from
trying cycling. Through their tried and tested behavioural change models, Cycling UK has
the ability to deliver projects and programmes that attract diverse groups and empower
communities.
Cycling UK will use their existing local community network of over 400 community
cycling organisations to rapidly engage with underrepresented groups and non-regular
cyclists to deliver high quality, inclusive, activities. Their behaviour change programmes
engage with an average of 51% non-regular cyclists and 27% minority ethnic groups year
on year.
Sarah Mitchell, Cycling UK’s chief executive said:
“The e-cycles project is a unique opportunity for Cycling UK to offer free and easy loans
of electric cycles to communities across England. Each of our chosen locations will have
a variety of e-cycles available to suit a variety of participant’s needs.
“At Cycling UK, we understand that taking the first step to start cycling can be a difficult
prospect for many people. This project will allow them to access an e-cycle without
obstacles holding them back, to help them make real changes to their travel habits.”
Cycling minister Trudy Harrison said:
“E-cycles are a great way for people with longer or hillier journeys to travel and the £8
million we have provided for this scheme will help make cycling the natural first choice
for many journeys – a key Government commitment from the Prime Minister’s Walking
and Cycling plan.
“I’m grateful to Cycling UK for delivering this scheme on our behalf, giving people across
the UK the opportunity to try something new whilst doing good for the planet.”
The scheme commences in Manchester in May 2022 as the first of the pilot locations and
will be marked by a high-profile media launch event supported by Evans Cycles.
Users will be able to enrol on the scheme via Cycling UK’s website from the 12th of May
2022 or through walk-ins at Evans Cycles and selected community hubs.
Confirmed Cycling made e-asy partners, supporting the delivery include, Evans Cycles,
Raleigh Bikes, Specialized, Tier Mobility, Islabikes, Cycling Projects, Bikeworks, Fusion
Media, Modeshift, Cyclescheme, Cycle Confident, Big Issue e-bikes, Bicycle Association,
Transport for Quality of Life.