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Date: 19 Nov 2024

Author: sestran_sarah

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One of the ways we are working to make active travel easier and more available for people is through our Go e-Bike project.

Through this project, we’ve been able to provide electric bikes to community hubs across the SEStran region, allowing more people to trial using an e-bike before buying their own. As part of the Go e-Bike project, we are working in partnership with West Lothian Bike Library to run employer trials. Employees can loan an e-bike for a week or longer to experience how it might fit into their daily routine or commute.

Through the trial, we’ve provided e-bikes to Skills Development Scotland staff working in different locations in the region. We were delighted to hear from Ailsa Morgan, who borrowed an e-bike from the West Lothian Bike Library and discovered the joys of a pedal powered commute…

“I just wanted to say a massive thanks to the West Lothian Bike Library and their role in the e-bike trial with Skills Development Scotland – what a revelation!

A female wearing a cycle helmet and a yellow high vis jacket with some fields in the background and a pretty sunset sky.“I found the Bike Library to be incredibly accommodating and approachable; making the process of collecting and dropping off the bike I trialled very easy (even when I got the day wrong for my return and didn’t even realise – sorry David!). The fact that I could trial the bikes for an extended period made a massive difference as it allowed me a much more realistic span of time to understand when and how I’d use the bike to commute. I was able to trial several different routes until I hit on the one I would replicate and the bike itself was great quality. 

“Having access to the e-bike gave me the confidence to try commuting to work where before I’d have felt it was ‘too far’, and that it’d be ‘too hard’ before a day in the office. I soon realised my preconceptions were wrong.

The picture has been taken over the handlebars of a red and black bike. There is a cycle path in front, with a hedge on either side. The sky ahead is blue.“My journey to and from work was really enjoyable, energising and helped me deal with the mental stresses and strains of the day. I also got to see wildlife and the seasons changing in a way that I definitely would have missed when travelling in my car on the A1/city bypass.

“For me, I’ve come to understand that using a bike to commute to work will be something I can do regularly. I think I can aim to replace one or two car journeys each week with a bike journey – hopefully more in the Spring/Summer. I will be able to build some exercise into my working day and save money on expenses!”

 

If Ailsa is making you feel inspired to have a go on an e-bike, head over to Do the Ride Thing, to find out more about e-bikes. There you will find out where you can go to trial an e-bike and see which of your journeys could be switched to an e-bike journey. There are also lots of hints and tips to make your e-bike experience really enjoyable.

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