Businesses invited to try bike hire scheme

Businesses in Shrewsbury are being invited to try out a practical, low-cost way to handle small deliveries with the launch of a new eCargo bike hire scheme.

Backed by Government funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Shrewsbury Big Town Plan Partnership (BTPP)’s newest initiative provides six eCargo bikes for use by local businesses on a heavily subsidised rental basis of £30 per month, including helmet and lights.

The aim is to offer an optional, flexible delivery alternative for businesses who may find it useful for short trips, stock runs, or local customer deliveries.

The scheme is being coordinated by the Big Town Plan Partnership, with bikes supplied by local retailers Trek Bikes (Wyle Cop) and Dave Mellor Cycles (Frankwell). Businesses can apply to be part of the pilot scheme via the Shrewsbury Moves website.

Town centre business owner Paul Carvell, a member of the Shrewsbury BID board, says the scheme could help businesses save time and money on certain types of deliveries.

“As someone with a background in both retail and transport logistics, I know the challenges that come with making deliveries in a town centre. I’m fully behind the Shrewsbury Moves plan to improve movement in our town," said Paul.

“It’s great to be trialling a cost-effective option for when heavy vehicles are not needed. eCargo bikes can be a viable alternative for relatively small deliveries and transporting stock, and we know there is a good amount of interest – indeed, several Shrewsbury businesses already use them.”

The project will initially run as a trial, with expressions of interest being reviewed to ensure the bikes are used where they can be most effective. If demand is strong, there may be scope to expand in the future.

Rob Wilson, leader of Shrewsbury Town Council and Shropshire Council’s portfolio holder for Transport and Economic Growth, said: "The Shrewsbury Moves eBike loan scheme for individuals has been a clear success, and it’s been great to see residents enjoying a new mode of transport to get around town. I hope that this scheme will be similarly effective, offering businesses the opportunity to try something different without needing to commit to purchasing one.

“The chance to avoid congestion, park closer to a destination and save money; are all key benefits. In other towns and cities eCargo bikes have been adopted by electricians, pharmacies and gardeners. I’m excited to see which Shrewsbury businesses will apply to take up this offer.

“We’re seeing more and more families using eCargo bikes to make short journeys around Shrewsbury, often as an alternative to a second car. It would be great to see one of these bikes being used to take the children to school in the morning, hopping around between business appointments in the day, before doing the weekly shop in the evening.”

Dave Mellor, of Dave Mellor Cycles, said: “We are delighted to have supplied Shrewsbury BID with three Riese & Müller cargo bikes as part of this exciting initiative. It’s fantastic to see innovative, sustainable transport solutions being embraced in the heart of Shrewsbury, and we’re proud to support the town’s move towards a greener future."