ECargo bikes to help local council deliver goods and services

Harlow & Gilston Garden Town has received funding for a fleet of eCargo bikes that will enable the local council to provide goods and services using sustainable and active transport. 

Harlow & Gilston will create four new neighbourhoods by 2033, with investment being made into accessible, frequent and sustainable transport networks to connect people across the Garden Town. 

New and improved walking and cycling routes in the town are hoped to complement the plans to encourage ‘active travel’ in a bid to move away from car and van use. 

The bikes will be used by Garden Town partner, Harlow Council, for mail and equipment deliveries, environmental crime enforcement, patrolling public spaces and ensuring community safety. 

 The Garden Town’s active travel expert David Burt said: ‘Harlow has an extensive network of walking and cycling routes so, with the right investment and support, there is exciting potential for more of us to use this network on our daily journeys.

‘The fleet of eCargo bikes will make an important contribution as the Garden Town develops and a more innovative and sustainable town-wide transport network is established.

‘We’re looking to inspire residents, local businesses and organisations to follow our lead and use active travel for day-to-day activities.

‘Having eCargo bikes on the ground so early in the Garden Town project will also influence current and future travel and transport infrastructure development.

‘We’ve seen a rise in the number of people cycling during the pandemic and research shows positive links between cycling, mental and physical health and wellbeing.

‘Harlow’s existing cycle and walking network largely runs through the town’s parks and playing fields and using these open spaces as part of your journey, even for a short time each day, have been shown to improve your happiness and wellbeing.’

Photo Credit – Pixabay