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Electric Bike Network – “It’s cycling – but not as we know it.  Electric bicycles dismiss headwinds and flatten hills.  Anyone can now enjoy the great outdoors on two wheels.” 

Having received an invitation to attend the small and informal launch at Carsington Water of the Electric Bicycle Network, I decided to go along and find out more about this social enterprise.  The launch is supported by the Carsington Water sports centre.

The aim of this initiative, well established in other, hilly(!) countries such Switzerland, is to establish a network of hire-points, such as campsites, B&B’s, s/c cottages, hotels, and charge points, such as pubs, cafés etc., i.e. anywhere where the cyclist may want to stop off to enjoy lunch or refreshments.  

 Whilst the launch was primarily aimed at representatives of visitor accommodation, pubs, cafés etc., there may also be some interest amongst local residents.

As a potential ‘Hire point’, it is very doubtful that participation by a single s/c cottage would bring in sufficient revenue from hiring out the bikes to guests to cover the cost of hiring (the minimum of) two electric bicycles from the support hub, i.e. Carsington Water, including back-up support etc.  However, there may be potential for a cluster of visitor accommodation, which could possibly also be boosted by some local interest.

Further information can be found on the Electric Bicycle Network website.

I would be really interested to hear not only from other s/c cottages but also from local people who are mildly intrigued by this exciting initiative so I can gauge the level of interest in and around the village.

And yes, I had a go on one of the bikes, which was dead-easy to ride, and, whilst a little heavier than an ordinary bike, was much lighter than the older versions of electric bicycles.

Saskia Tallis (440)