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A community cargo bike for Eastbourne

A community cargo bike for Eastbourne

By Robert McGowan

After many months of anticipation, we were delighted to receive funding from the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) fund managed by Eastbourne Borough Council to purchase a community cargo bike. Having tested a number of different e-bikes at Get Bikery in Lewes (thanks to Matt Bird and Jamie Lloyd), we decided on a Tern GSD S10.

It felt very stable and simple to ride – equipped with a powerful Bosch electric motor and able to transport plenty in crates attached to the front and rear racks, plus two panniers. With match-funding from EEAN and Eastbourne Food Partnership CICs, we had enough in our budget to order a bright yellow one from elctrc at Brighton Marina.

Brighton yellow electric cargo bike with crates in front and back racks,

Our new Tern GSD S10 loaded and ready to deliver
Photo by Sam Powell

From Brighton Marina to Eastbourne

I collected the Tern one blustery morning – and thoroughly enjoyed putting it through its paces into a strong headwind along the seafront path (yes, there is a seafront cycle path in Brighton, like almost all British seaside towns). Then inland to Falmer and Lewes. Much of the ride was on dedicated cycle paths, separated from the traffic, which was excellent – and the Tern coped superbly on the hills.

Pausing at The Depot in Lewes, I spoke to Matt of Get Bikery about how they are managing their cargo bikes – and was joined by Councillor Andy Collins and EEAN’s Jill Shacklock. The onward ride to Polegate along the A27 shared cycle path was a joy – thanks to the “Turbo” mode. There was sufficient battery power to sail up Cooper’s Hill in Willingdon village, then negotiate the climb past Ocklynge School into Eastbourne’s Old Town.

Jill Shacklock wearing denim jacket and standing behind a yellow electric cargo bike, The bike has racks at the front and back and two black paniers

Jill admires the Tern at The Depot, Lewes

Reducing food waste and carbon emissions

One of our priorities for the cargo bike project will be to support the distribution of food from local growers and community gardens and places with surplus food, such as supermarkets and hospitality outlets to food banks, community larders and kitchens. In all, the plan is to help reduce food waste and reduce food insecurity whilst reducing carbon emissions and air pollution in the local transport system.

Back crate of cargo bike loaded with spinach

Some of the food donated by generous stallholders 
Photo by Sam Powell

From farmer's market to community hub

The Tern’s first task was to transport surplus fruit, vegetables and baked goods from Eastbourne’s new Farmers Market to the Seaside Community Hub – quietly and easily achieved in about 10 minutes. Even with generous food donations from stallholders, a single trip was sufficient. The market takes place on the first Saturday morning of each month in front of Towner Art Gallery, and our cargo bike will be a regular fixture there.

Robert McGowan securing a crate full of spinach onto the back rack of a cargo bike

Robert gets ready to roll
Photo by Sam Powell

Get involved

Do get in touch if you’d be interested in volunteering to ride the Tern on some of these deliveries around town. It’s the first community-owned cargo bike in Eastbourne and hopefully it will inspire others to replace cars and vans for some “last-mile” deliveries – as seen in congested towns and cities across Europe.

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Staying safe when cycling

How do you stay safe when cycling?

Riding a bike is a fun way to move your body, get your blood pumping and improve your health. Many of the benefits of cycling include improved circulation, increased lung capacity, healthier heart function, lower blood pressure and more toned muscles. These benefits are great for anyone of any age, but they are especially great to help older people feel younger and achieve better health.

No matter your age, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with cycling, and how you can best overcome these. Here are three safety tips to bear in mind for your next ride.

Take it easy
Although it can be easy to get carried away while you’re busy enjoying the fresh air, it is essential to not push yourself too hard. Begin with routes that are short and not too strenuous – this will help you train your body to get used to the feel of a bike. If you notice any pain while riding, don’t ignore it – just bring your ride to an early finish. Over time you can gradually increase your speed, effort levels and distance. If you are unsure if cycling is for you, check with your doctor for peace of mind.

Consider an electric bike
Electric bikes have become increasingly popular with riders as they allow them to experience longer and more challenging rides without risking an injury. In 2020, there was almost a 50% increase in the number of searches for ‘e-bikes’, whilst between the months of January and October in the same year, one pound in every five spent on bicycles went towards an e-bike. This new technology isn’t just a gimmick – it’s helping lots of people to explore their passion for cycling, whilst minimising some of the risks.

These bikes can be used to take a little of the weight off your feet to make pedaling easier, or you can stop pedaling entirely if you’re completely worn out. They are especially helpful for helping you to scale steep hills without tiring yourself out – perfect for the adventurous

Look after your bike
Make sure you’re using a bike that is in top condition. It’s important to have your bike checked for any malfunctions that could potentially lead to accidents and have an expert assess if the bike is the right fit for your size and shape. It’s recommended to get your bike serviced once or twice a year, to ensure it remains in running condition.

You will also need to consider the way in which you store your bike. Using storage that isn’t fit for purpose can result in your bike becoming damaged, and potentially unsafe to ride. Be sure to keep it out of the elements, and locked away to deter potential thieves.

In summary
Cycling should be a fun, liberating activity, allowing you to explore more of the great outdoors at your own pace. But ignoring the dangers could increase your risk of sustaining a serious injury. Follow these tips to enjoy a safer ride, and be sure to share them with your cycling companions!

Claire Monroe – Consultant | Researcher – Digital Content & Media

Source – The Bike Storage Company https://www.thebikestoragecompany.co.uk/

Bigger Better Bus and Cycle schemes ?

Eco-Action Transport Group have always said, that to meet the 2030 carbon target, there needs to be a modal shift away from cars and towards bus and cycling. That means re-allocating space, changing priorities and spending money.

However the Government has threatened, that funding for active travel schemes, would only be provided to councils, who have a good track record of delivering. This has the consequence that East Sussex County Council (ESCC) have recently struggled to get funding. One exception is £41M for bus improvements, though the detailed plans will need to be signed off by Department for Transport (DfT).

Recent unsuccessful bids include elements of the “Hailsham to Eastbourne Corridor” along A22/A2270, and pedestrian access in the Eastbourne Town Centre Phase 2A. Likewise the latest Active Travel ‘Covid’ funding allocated ESCC nothing,

For walking and cycling the DfT will only support schemes that comply with design guidance (LTN 1/20). They are not able to support schemes with any of the below elements:-

      • Shared use paths
      • Lack of protection at junctions
      • Cycle tracks in locations where they may not be well-used
      • Poor value for money
      • Not forming part of a coherent wider network

East Sussex County Council have contacted the DfT to discuss their failure to get funds and to get guidance for future bids specifically for cycling and walking schemes.

So what does this mean ? Both East Sussex and Eastbourne Councils believe in consultation and balancing all the various stakeholders. That has meant compromises have had to be made in terms of space allocated to bus and cycle schemes. Campaigners are of the opinion that cycling provision in the town has actually become worse.

If future schemes are to be funded then they need to meet the criteria and as the DfT state ‘Paint on the road is no longer enough‘. The danger is, in order not to upset the car lobby, then nothing will be built. With the projection of 25% more traffic locally by 2039 this can only lead to gridlock at peak times.  Plus an increase in the carbon footprint which  would seriously undermine the delivery of a Carbon Neutral Eastbourne by 2030, as mandated unanimously by all Eastbourne councillors.

Paul Humphreys – Cycle East Sussex

 

 

Eastbourne ECO Action Network

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