02 Jun Rushden Lakes Staff Borrow E-Bikes for Greener Journeys to Work

Staff at Rushden Lakes have been offered free four week trials of e-bikes throughout June as part of a North Northamptonshire Council initiative to enable more locals to have a go at cycling to work.

Twenty e-bikes are being loaned to staff working at any of the Rushden Lakes stores, restaurants and other organisations based at the site. Although intended for journeys to work, staff signing up for the scheme can also use the e-bikes in their leisure time too. The current round of successful applicants received their loan e-bikes today.

The scheme is part of a wider initiative across North and West Northamptonshire by the two local authorities in collaboration with local workplaces to enable staff to try out electric cycles. Previous organisations which have successfully trialled the scheme include the University of Northampton, Kettering General Hospital, Ball Corporation and Delapre Abbey.

Staff are able to choose an e-bike to suit their size and needs. This includes a small supply of foldable options so it can be stored safely in a flat or building with no cycle storage.

Centre Manager, Donna French said ‘‘Following the success of the Voi scooter launch and the positive uptake from the staff here at Rushden Lakes, they have shown a keen interest in sustainable travel and this new e-bike opportunity gives more staff the chance to try out an e-bike as a greener way to travel to work here at Rushden Lakes”.

Rushden Lakes is already leading the way in supporting alternative modes of transport to the car. Since 2019 they have reduced the number of staff travelling by car alone to work by nearly 18%. Other initiatives they have completed include annual ‘Let’s Go Green’ one-day events with free drinks for those who come by non-car modes, free cycle repairs and promotion of coach trips to the area. The site was recently awarded the Modeshift STARS Silver accreditation for their green travel plan and activities which are supported by Brightwayz, a local social enterprise specialising in sustainable travel schemes.

Cllr Graham Lawman, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets, said: “This is a really exciting way for staff at Rushden Lakes to trial an e-bike at no cost to them and enable them to commute when other forms of public transport are not convenient. We hope that this latest trial will enable staff to gain more confidence to shift to active travel and enjoy the health benefits, whilst also reducing the pressure on staff parking at Rushden Lakes.”

Cllr Harriet Pentland, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Climate and Environment, said: “Reducing carbon emissions is one of the key priorities for the council as we strive to be carbon neutral, which is why it is pleasing to see local businesses encouraging workers to try a more low-carbon form of transport.”

Although the loan is for a four week period for each rider, it is hoped it will inspire staff to try cycling to work as a longer term habit and potentially purchase their own e-bike. Not only will this help reduce traffic congestion, wear and tear on the roads and carbon emissions but will also have health and mental well-being benefits for staff.

Large local employers interested in offering the free e-bike loan scheme to their staff for future rounds of the scheme can find out more information from e-bikescheme@northnorthants.gov.uk as well as the SmartMove Northamptonshire website https://www.smartmovenorthamptonshire.net/page/e-bikes-business

Pictured: Members of Rushden Lakes Centre Management and Environment team, Cllr Graham Lawman, NNC and Alison Holland, Brightwayz at Rushden Lakes e-bike scheme launch today.