Cycling is a great, green form of transport, and is growing in popularity, as the runaway success of London’s cycle hire scheme has proved. But while largely flat London is ideal for pedal power, what about the countryside? Those bumpy green things called hills might have put you off a cycling jaunt in the great outdoors, but now a groundbreaking new scheme just launched in the Peak District and Derbyshire is set to open up eco-friendly cycling to everybody.
Green Abode reckons anything that brings cycling to more people and reduces the impact of cars in our beautiful rural spaces is definitely welcome. Start saving today on electric bikes and scooters with Pure Electric.
The country’s first Electric Bicycle Network offers visitors the opportunity to hire one of 50 electric-powered bikes to tour the region on a series of new cycle-friendly trails. The eco bikes can be hired and charged up at a network of points throughout the Peak District and Derbyshire, with a single charge lasting for about 40 miles. Several hotels and guesthouses, cafes, restaurants and tourist attractions on the nine routes have already set up as hire and charge points, with more set to follow.
The scheme is set to give a further boost to green tourism in the region, and similar networks are planned for Devon and the Lake District. So now you don’t have to be a Lycra-clad mountain biker to enjoy cycling in the countryside.
The well-built Giant bikes have three power settings, depending on how much leg work you want to put in. Using eco mode, where you put in a little more pedalling effort than the bike’s electric engine, the charge should last all day. When the inclines get challenging, sport mode gives a welcome boost to whiz you up the hills. Batteries fit into one of the bike’s panniers and there’s a counter showing your speed and remaining battery life. Bike rental is around £10 an hour, or £25 for the day.
The new routes in the Peak District and Derbyshire range from 7 to 28 miles long, with superb cycling along quiet lanes and traffic-free trails, promising great views and attractive villages and market with plenty of welcoming places to eat and drink.
For more eco-friendly travel options, check out Pure Electric’s range of e-scooters. And if you’re new to the e-scooter revolution, find out more with our electric scooter buying guide.
And if you’re planning to visit the area to take advantage of the Electric Bicycle Network, make sure you travel there the greener way, taking the train or coach and leaving the car at home.