E-Bike Loan Pilot in Basildon
Utilising active travel to commute to work
Part of a six-month pilot scheme, residents in Basildon Borough have been benefiting from an E-Bike loan scheme. The aim of the scheme is to help post the physical and mental wellbeing of recipients, whilst providing a sustainable and more accessible method of transport to help residents commute to work.
Through the pilot. 50 E-Bikes are being provided to individuals who are inactive or facing travel inequalities. Before receiving the electric bike, participants are offered free cycle training and cycle maintenance sessions, helping increase their confidence. Offering support to employees through the bike loan scheme should not only sustain active travel to their workplace but should also provide them with a new way to get active and prioritise their wellbeing.
Electric bikes require moderate movement, so will still increase the activity and fitness levels of the recipient, as well as boost their mental wellbeing from moving outside. A free bike will not only benefit employees, but their employer too. It has been proven that staff who are more active, and start their day with movement, have increased productivity and concentration levels, creating better outputs whilst at work. It can also bring employees together, which in turn builds rapport and relationships between members of staff.
With an increase in active travel, employers will be able to assess the accessibility of their workplace. Further support from employers includes opening facilities and showers, ample cycle parking and support groups which will in turn increase the likelihood of employees choosing to actively travel. Small changes like this can have a huge impact.
Building upon the cycling offer for Essex residents, work began on an E-bike loan scheme, tested by businesses in Basildon. Collaborating with MSEFT and Essex Pedal Power Basildon, Active Essex were able to enhance the offer for NHS staff, and this helped strengthen relationships among those involved.
Most of the participants that reported back expressed an interest in forming a work cycling community because they feel it would bring them together. A love for cycling was shared by all recipients but many had neglected getting on their bike due to time restraints or not having the equipment or knowledge to cycle regularly.
Two of the participants have started a “bike buddies” commute, encouraging each other to cycle more by doing it together. Forming a connection with colleagues through cycling is another benefit of the project and can inspire further interest in activities and movement outside of cycling.
Increased awareness of active travel and the implications on employees both inside and outside of the working environment should help provide more opportunities such as this. Changes made by employers and their employees can have significant positive impacts on the workplace, the environment and the wellbeing of those choosing to make healthier lifestyle choices.
Speaking to those who have been using their electric bike has highlighted the range of benefits that the bike plan offers. Increased time with family members and improved wellbeing are positive impacts that extend further than active travel opportunities.
It has been great to see how well the e-bike pilot is going, but we have incurred some challenges with business sites having health and safety issues with the storage of them. We will continue to work with relevant colleagues to change policies currently in place to overcome this.Juliette Raison, Active Essex Relationship Manager
