This expansion, part of the council’s Big Shift programme in partnership with Peddle My Wheels, aims to provide accessible and eco-friendly transport options for residents and businesses
Lambeth Council has taken another step towards promoting sustainable transport by launching four additional OurBike locations across the borough. This expansion, part of the council’s Big Shift programme in partnership with Peddle My Wheels, aims to provide accessible and eco-friendly transport options for residents and businesses. The initiative enables individuals and companies to use electric cargo bikes for mid-range journeys, offering a viable alternative to cars and vans.
Expanding the OurBike Scheme
The OurBike community cargo bike share scheme is designed to make sustainable transport more convenient and accessible. Through this initiative, residents and businesses can rent electric cargo bikes for everyday needs such as shopping, commuting, and deliveries. The service is operated via the OurBike app, which allows users to locate and hire the nearest available bike with ease.
Over the past few weeks, Lambeth Council, through its Big Shift programme, has introduced four new cargo bikes, adding to the six already available in the borough. The goal is to encourage more people to adopt active and sustainable travel methods while reducing vehicle emissions and congestion.
“OurBike has already been a game-changer for many in our community,” said Deputy Leader Rezina Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air. “By expanding the number of bikes available, we are making it easier for residents and businesses to move around the borough in a way that is both environmentally friendly and practical. These efforts are a crucial part of our mission to reduce road danger and support local businesses while cutting down on unnecessary car journeys.”
New Locations
The success of the OurBike scheme has been largely due to the support of local organizations that host and maintain the bikes. These host locations ensure that the bikes remain in good condition by keeping their batteries charged and tyres pumped. The four newly introduced cargo bike locations are, Oasis Hub, Kennington Road, SE1 7QP; Bon Velo, Norwood Road, SE27 9DJ; Hope Church Vauxhall, Tyers Street, SE11 5HS; Stockwell Park Community Centre, Aytoun Place, SW9 0TE.
With these additions, the total number of OurBike locations in Lambeth has reached ten, significantly expanding the accessibility of the scheme.
How People Can Benefit
The OurBike scheme is tailored to both individual and business needs. Families can use cargo bikes for school runs, grocery shopping, or leisure trips, while local businesses can utilize them for deliveries and transporting goods. To further encourage participation, new users receive incentives when they sign up: residents get 60 minutes of free use, while businesses are offered 180 minutes at no cost.
To get started, users need to download the OurBike app, where they can register, locate, and book available bikes at their nearest host location. The app-based system ensures a seamless and efficient rental process.
Training for New Users
For those unfamiliar with cargo bikes, Peddle My Wheels provides free training sessions to help users get comfortable with the bikes. These training sessions are tailored to the specific routes and needs of each rider, ensuring that even beginners can confidently integrate cargo bikes into their daily routines.
“We recognize that not everyone has experience with cargo bikes,” said a representative from Peddle My Wheels. “That’s why we offer hands-on training to help residents and businesses transition smoothly to this eco-friendly transport solution.”
Supporting Sustainability Goals
The expansion of the OurBike scheme aligns with Lambeth Council’s broader sustainability agenda. By promoting cargo bike usage, the council aims to reduce carbon emissions, decrease road congestion, and encourage more active modes of transport. This initiative also supports the council’s goal of reducing overall vehicle journeys and making the borough’s transport network safer and more efficient.
Deputy Leader Rezina Chowdhury emphasized the importance of these efforts: “We are committed to making Lambeth a greener and more sustainable place to live and work. OurBike is just one of many initiatives we’re implementing to achieve this goal. By increasing access to cargo bikes, we are giving our residents and businesses practical tools to reduce their carbon footprint and make healthier travel choices.”
Future Prospects
The reception to the OurBike scheme has been overwhelmingly positive, with many users highlighting its convenience and cost-effectiveness. Local businesses, in particular, have found cargo bikes to be a game-changer for last-mile deliveries and reducing transport costs.
“I use the cargo bike for my café’s deliveries, and it has been a fantastic way to cut down on petrol costs while still reaching customers quickly,” said one local business owner. “Plus, it aligns with our eco-friendly ethos, which resonates well with our customers.”
Moving forward, Lambeth Council plans to continue monitoring the success of the programme and explore further expansion opportunities. With increasing demand for sustainable transport solutions, additional cargo bikes and locations may be introduced in the future to support a growing community of eco-conscious residents and businesses. The expansion of the OurBike scheme marks another step forward in Lambeth’s mission to promote sustainable transport and reduce vehicle dependency. With four new locations, free training opportunities, and incentives for new users, the initiative is making it easier than ever for residents and businesses to embrace an environmentally friendly mode of transportation. As Lambeth continues to push for cleaner air and safer streets, OurBike stands as a testament to the borough’s commitment to sustainability and community well
