Bike North’s advocacy team are always on the look-out for opportunities to promote active transport - and cycling in particular - to the community at large. Advocacy Co-ordinator, David Thomson, has recently done just that, by establishing the Ku-ring-gai Family E-bike Trial.
Residents of Ku-ring-gai LGA are invited to participate in the trial: read more and register at the Ku-ring-gai Family E-bike Trial or contact David Thomson at advocacy@bikenorth.org.au for more details.
After encouraging Ku-ring-gai Council to establish an Active Transport Committee, Davidsuggested that Bike North would conduct an e-bike trial as a practical project to improve active transport within neighbourhoods and reduce reliance on cars for local trips.
E-bikes are easier, more sustainable and more fun than a second car. The bike has capacity to take a couple of kids to school, pick up a week’s groceries or make it easier to get to the train station on the way to work.
The electric assistance allows even a less experienced parent to confidently and safely transport children or shopping around the paths and streets.
The family e-bike trial is supported by Lug+Carrie, a company which has had success with such trials in Melbourne. There, the results were very successful with 40% of participating families continuing to rent family e-bikes.
Using an ongoing weekly rental subscription format, Lug+Carrie supplies the bike, kitted out with everything needed to get on the road (BYO helmet), maintenance by expert mechanics, and roadside assistance in case your bike breaks down and insurance to cover theft or damage.
Families pay half the cost of the bike rental while Bike North has found two benefactors to sponsor the other half of the trial costs. Transport Mutual Credit Union and an individual - Mat Whittingham – both believe in the benefits of sustainable transport and have been happy to support the Ku-ring-gai trial.
If you are a resident of Ku-ring-gai LGA and are interested in participating in the trial, read more or register at the Ku-ring-gai Family Bike Trial or contact David Thomson at advocacy@bikenorth.org.au for more details.