E-bike fund is offering spin-off health benefit

Projects across Tayside, Fife and Perthshire are to share in grants worth £125,000

Cycling projects across Tayside and Fife will feel a spin-off benefit of grants worth £125,000.

Dundee City Council will take the lion’s share of the funding, using its £100,000 grant to buy 50 e-bikes.

Projects in Kirkcaldy, St Andrews, Auchterarder and Coupar Angus will also benefit from the second round of the Transport Scotland eBike Grant Fund, which dished out £462,000 across Scotland.

The fund is focused on providing support to community organisations, local authorities, public sector agencies, colleges and universities through direct grants or match funding.

In St Andrews an e-cargo bike is being provided to support sustainable transport on the town’s university campus and deliver local farm produce to the market.

Dundee University will use £9,187 for the purchase of 10 bikes, Greener Kirkcaldy is to receive £3,800 of support to buy four e-bikes and Forward Coupar Angus was given a £6,897 grant for five cycles.

Auchterarder Community Development Trust has also been awarded £5,350 to purchase two bikes.

Michael Matheson, Scotland’s cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity, said: “This is an incredibly popular fund and I’m proud this government can support a further 27 e-bike projects across Scotland in its second round.

“There are so many benefits to e-bikes and e-cargo bikes but, for many, the latest advances in e-mobility technology remain unaffordable.

“While we all anticipate price drops in the future, I’m committed to ensuring that people can access and experience e-bikes in their communities, so we increase opportunities for people to switch to sustainable, affordable and exciting modes of transportation.

“If your route is longer or involves hilly terrain, e-bikes offer as much assistance as you need – whether you are commuting, delivering or just enjoying some time outdoors.

“We will continue to develop innovative projects to build an active nation, where more people can enjoy the benefits of walking and cycling than ever before.”

Matthew Eastwood, head of transport at the Energy Saving Trust, said: “The eBike Grant Fund supports public and third sector organisations to enable behaviour change through the increased uptake of sustainable and active travel, in the form of e-bikes, e-cargo bikes and adapted bikes.

“Applications have come from a wide range of organisations including NHS trusts, local authorities and charities.

“This will help make e-bikes available to a wide audience, facilitating access to employment, education, and local services, and help reduce road transport emissions, improve local air quality and have positive health benefits.”

“There are so many benefits to e-bikes and e-cargo bikes but, for many, the latest advances in e-mobility technology remain unaffordable. MICHAEL MATHESON

Picture: Kim Cessford. A cyclist riding an e-bike on the newly opened cycle path which runs along the Port of Dundee .