New E-Bike Loan Scheme for South Yorkshire Set to be Approved

[SheffieldForum]

South Yorkshire to Introduce Free E-Bike Loan Scheme Worth £500,000

 

A half-a-million pound scheme to provide free e-bikes to residents across South Yorkshire is on the verge of approval. The initiative, spearheaded by Oliver Coppard, the Mayor of South Yorkshire, aims to revolutionise local transport and promote sustainable travel. The approval is expected at an upcoming meeting of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

 

Boosting Active Travel with Government Funding

 

SYMCA has secured £4.86 million from the government’s Active Travel England fund to encourage more walking and cycling among residents. This significant investment will support various projects aimed at enhancing the region’s transport infrastructure.

 

Free E-Bike Loan Scheme

 

Half a million pounds of the fund will be dedicated to a pilot project that offers e-cycles to residents free of charge. The scheme includes not only the loan of the e-bikes but also training, equipment, and maintenance to ensure a seamless experience for users. The goal is to widen the appeal of e-cycling and increase e-cycle usage across the region.

 

Enhancing Cycling and Walking Infrastructure

 

In addition to the e-bike scheme, nearly £1 million will be allocated for bike hire, training, and maintenance initiatives. This funding will support the development of dedicated Bike Hubs, offering essential services to cyclists.

 

Improving Local Transport

 

Other funded projects include the installation of bus priority triggers at traffic lights in Barnsley and a series of measures to enhance walking and cycling routes between Magna, Tinsley, and Meadowhall. These improvements are designed to make active travel more accessible and appealing to residents.

 

Strategic Vision for Active Travel

 

South Yorkshire’s Active Travel Commissioner, Ed Clancy, an Olympic gold medallist from Barnsley, expressed his commitment to breaking down barriers to active travel. He emphasised the importance of creating high-quality cycle routes that separate bikes from cars, building new paths, and improving pedestrian crossings to ensure safety and convenience for all users. "E-bikes are a potential game-changer for those who are not currently physically active," Clancy said.

 

Transformative Impact on Health and Wellbeing

 

Mayor Oliver Coppard highlighted the broader ambitions of the initiative. “Getting people in South Yorkshire moving more and moving differently is key to my ambitions for improving our region’s health, wellbeing, and happiness,” he stated.

 

Coppard noted that the funding recognises the region's progress and supports its ambition to become the healthiest in the country. He stressed the importance of providing not just infrastructure but also the necessary training and support to help people adopt healthier travel options.

 

Community and Economic Benefits

 

The Active Travel England funding will also support various projects aimed at improving the walking environment in Burngreave, Sheffield, developing a segregated cycle route on Bawtry Road in Doncaster, and enhancing walking, wheeling, and cycling routes to schools in Athersley and Bolton Upon Dearne near Barnsley. These initiatives are expected to bring significant social, economic, and environmental benefits to the region.

[hackey lad]

Could you ask Oliver to drop me off a new E Bike , please  ? 

[Beechwood_S6]

7 hours ago, hackey lad said:

Could you ask Oliver to drop me off a new E Bike , please  ? 

make sure you charge it, away from the house

[ads36]

9 hours ago, SheffieldForum said:

... to encourage more walking and cycling ...

 

you just know, that when you see the word 'encourage', the project won't work.

 

we don't need 'encouragement' to walk or cycle more, we need better infrastructure.  What's the point of more bikes if there aren't safe, connected routes near where people live?

We went to the Cambridge St food hall at the weekend, we didn't even discuss cycling to the city centre - because there isn't a decent route for us to use. (last week, on holiday, we rode 300km in Austria - because they have good cycle routes).

 

i'm unfashionably libertarian at times: don't waste time telling us what to do - we're not listening. Give us genuine options and let us figure it out for ourselves.

[bassett one]

HOPE IT WORKS better than the silly bike idea last time

[Padders]

Just be careful when cycling past "The Daddys" house...

[Baron99]

2 hours ago, bassett one said:

HOPE IT WORKS better than the silly bike idea last time

[sheffbag]

On the bright side, you’ll be able to pick up a cheap e-bike on eBay for Xmas when people decide to sell them

[hackey lad]

Serious question. How do I get one of these bikes on loan  ?

[Resident]

Ah yes, MORE tax payer's money wasted. You'd think council's were flush with money to throw money away like it's confetti. These schemes have worked REALLY well in other areas haven't they?.....