Residents in the Royal Borough are being encouraged to think about how they travel, with the introduction of a new scheme that offers the opportunity to borrow an electric bike for a month.

About the E-bike scheme

The scheme is part of the Greenwich Low Emission Neighbourhood (LEN) and Sharing Cities programmes, and residents of Greenwich and the Peninsula will be able to borrow an E-bike - a bike with a pedal assist system - making it easier for longer journeys and hills.

The London Cycling Campaign is running the programme on behalf of the Royal Borough, and is supplying all the necessary cycling accessories such as, helmet, high-visibility jacket and lights, as well as advice for those trying cycling for the first time.

Residents who live in the LEN area can borrow an E-bike for up to four weeks for just £10. Discounted bikes will be available for participants to purchase at the end of the loan.

Find out more about the E-bike trial (London Cycling Campaign website)

'Heart of our vision for improving air quality'

Councillor Danny Thorpe, Deputy Leader at the Royal Borough of Greenwich and the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Sustainability, said "Working with residents to deliver a greener and cleaner borough is at the heart of our vision for improving air quality in the borough. Tackling air pollution is a huge and complex issue and the challenges of reducing emissions and combating the causes of climate change is not one we can do alone."

'Making the Royal Borough a cleaner and better place to live'

Councillor Sizwe James, Cabinet Member for Transport, Economy and Smart Cities, said "The LEN and Sharing Cities projects are helping us test a variety of ideas designed to help improve air quality in west Greenwich and the Peninsula and this E-bike scheme is just another step in making the Royal Borough a cleaner and better place to live."

'Ideal for people who want to cycle'

Cycling Projects Manager at London Cycling Campaign, Stewart Dring, said "It is exciting to be working with the Royal Borough of Greenwich to introduce people to electric bikes. They can be ideal for people who want to cycle but have concerns about their fitness or health. We will be making sure the bikes are well maintained throughout the project and offering participants cycle training or any other support they need."