Island businesses are trying out sustainable travel as part of Green Travel Month. The activity is being organised by the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce and will see businesses including Isle of Wight College, Stainless Games, GKN, Island Roads and the Isle of Wight Council all try out an electric bike. Red Squirrel Electric Bikes in Newport have supplied the bikes which come fitted with an odometer to measure the carbon-free mileage notched up by each business during their week-long loan.
“Electric bikes are perfect for business use,” says Zoe Stroud from Red Squirrel Electric Bikes. “The battery provides a subtle power boost which makes commuting easier. It’s also a perfect way to get to meetings near to your workplace. You’ll arrive buzzing with excitement and, thanks to the electric assist, as fresh as you would do having driven your car just without the hassle of traffic and parking.”
80% of private car journeys entering Newport are single occupancy and nitrogen dioxide recordings taken in central Newport are well above the average recordings taken at other locations on the Island. That means that driving less really can make a difference, to the environment, employee health and business productivity.
Philip Smith, Isle of Wight College says:
“It’s great to try out an electric bike. I do cycle, but not as a commuter. I’m going to try and commute in daylight hours and thirteen of my colleagues have also expressed an interest in trying out the bike. We’re all quite excited.”
Paul Jasicki, Stainless Games, says:
“It’s nice to try an electric bike for my commute to Newport. We live at the top of a hill and I’m interested to see what difference the electric bike makes!”
Electric bikes are just one of the options being offered to Island commuters during Green Travel Month. Employees are also being encouraged to use public transport, car share or consider electric or low emission cars. Find out more at www.iwchamber.co.uk/greentravel
Photo: Paul Jasicki from Stainless Games (left) with Nina Murphy from Red Squirrel Electric Bikes and
Philip Smith from Isle of Wight College
