Chester utilises e-cargo bike tech to reduce emissions

Cheshire West and Chester Council has become the latest to utilise e-cargo bikes as part of its fleet in an effort to use the tech to reduce emissions and lead the charge to net zero. 

Two new bikes have been made available to the council’s staff to allow them to travel short distances as part of their day to day work without having to use a van in Chester city centre. 

Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, Councillor Karen Shore, with Adam and Tom from the Council’s StreetCare team in Chester’s Grosvenor Park.

Cllr Karen Shore, the Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, said: ‘The e-cargo bikes have many positive benefits, including the reduction in air and noise pollution, as well as being more efficient and a lot cleaner than using vans around the city centre. 

‘E-cargo bikes are becoming increasingly popular for short journeys, especially in cities and this new way of working will help us reduce our CO2 emissions in a cost-effective manner. 

‘I’m delighted our teams are now able to use pedal power to cut carbon emissions while they look after the borough.’ 

E-cargo bikes have become a popular addition to the vehicle fleet of many councils in the UK as they seek to address climate concerns brought by the consistent use of large vehicles to transport sometimes small payloads. 

Alongside being electronically assisted, the bikes have a container attached which allows for the easy transportation of equipment. 

Cllr Shore added: ‘So far, the use of the e-cargo bikes has proved to be a popular option for our staff in the city centre. They say they can get around much faster and enjoy using them. Please give them a wave if you see them out and about.’ 

The addition of the bikes is being seen as another step in the council’s Climate Emergency Agenda and target to become carbon neutral in the borough by 2045, five years ahead of the national government’s ambitions. 

Barnsley also recently added six e-cargo bikes to its fleet, allowing staff at three of the area’s popular visitor attractions to easily navigate the grounds. 

Photo: Cheshire West and Chester Council