23 Oct 2024
Is St Albans falling behind other Herts councils in failing to introduce an electric bike hire scheme?
SADC is the only district or borough in the county not actively doing anything to promote e-bikes despite a motion being passed at Full Council in support of the idea.
Public hire schemes operating elsewhere in Herts aim to promote active and sustainable travel, reduce transport related carbon emissions, improve air quality and develop connectivity with surrounding areas, all while improving the health and well-being of residents.
Stephen Joseph, a professor at the University of Hertfordshire’s Smart Mobility Unit, said: “St Albans is in danger of being left behind on bike hire. More and more districts in Hertfordshire are now putting in bike hire schemes – Stevenage will launch its scheme soon and Dacorum is working on theirs, while Watford has a long standing and successful bike and e-bike hire scheme, now being extended.
“Elsewhere, Surrey has a bike hire framework for the whole county and Guildford, similar to St Albans, is about to get a scheme. With city traffic congestion increasing, St Albans and Hertfordshire need to look at bike hire options for the city and district, as one of the ways to unjam the city.”
Cllr Simon Grover, leader of the Green Party in St Albans, said: “It’s clear that councils across Hertfordshire have found ways to introduce this exciting e-bike hire scheme, with its multiple benefits for health, congestion, pollution and the local economy. Hertfordshire County Council itself is refusing to properly engage, despite being responsible for local transport, and St Albans council is dragging its heels, saying it’s interested but not actually prepared to put any time in to exploring it.
“They could make matters much easier by teaming up with neighbouring authorities, but again have shown no interest in doing so.
“This is all to the detriment of St Albans district residents, many of whom would love the chance to occasionally cycle in the district without the hassle and expense of owning their own bike.
“Electric bikes are perfect for the short journeys around here, especially on the hills of St Albans. They make cycling available for everyone, including people who might not usually consider it practical for them.”
SADC said there were no plans for an e-bike scheme in the pipeline, but if funding became available, it is something they would look at.
