Launch of eCycle Green Transport Initiative by Edinburgh’s Colleges and Universities

14th April 2015

An eco-friendly cycle sharing scheme for Edinburgh’s colleges and universities was officially unveiled in Edinburgh on 31 March.

This eCycle initiative has been developed in partnership with six of the city’s leading colleges and universities, Edinburgh College, Edinburgh Napier University, Queen Margaret University, Scotland's Rural College, Transition Heriot-Watt and The University of Edinburgh.

At the launch representing the Cross Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Cycling the six institutions were joined by Alison Johnstone MSP (Scottish Green Party), Sarah Boyack MSP (Scottish Labour Party) and Jim Eadie (SNP), in addition to key project partners South East of Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran) and Sustrans.

As part of the bike sharing scheme, the Edinburgh Further and Higher Education Transport Group (EFHETG) are using the project to investigate and reduce the environmental impact of travel around campuses and offices across Edinburgh. The innovative eCycle scheme hopes to encourage members of the further and higher education community to consider cycling as an alternative to single car occupancy, or public transport for personal and business journeys.

The scheme will act as a test-bed to provide more information on cycling within the further and higher education sector. As part of each institution’s travel plans it will support the reduction of carbon emissions associated with personal and business travel in and around Edinburgh.

Partners of the scheme SEStran and Sustrans have provided local advice, funding and support to all of the college and university representatives. It has been financed by the participating institutions and SEStran’s who have supplied £25,000 towards the project.

Jamie Pearson, Environmental Sustainability Manager at Edinburgh Napier University, said:

“I’m delighted with the financial support SEStran and our own institutions have provided towards the eCycle Scheme. Through travel surveys and discussions within our sector we’re very aware that many members of our community would be willing to try cycling, or cycle more, with a bit of additional resource and support. Users will still have to physically pedal the eCycles but the motor and battery attached will boost confidence, add support to increased mobility and, from personal experience, make going up hills an absolute breeze!”.

For more information on the eCycle scheme, visit each of the institutions websites involved in the project.