Study sees rise in e-bikes in Cornwall by commuters

A study has helped encourage more people to use e-bikes for commuting.

In a collaborative study between the University of Bath’s Center for Climate Change and Social Transformation (CAST) and Cornwall Council, 100 residents and 27 council staff received free Beryl bike credits for one month, for would you encourage them to use the e-bike sharing scheme. The trial took place from May 2023 to July 2023

Use of Beryl bikes increased from 7% to 31% for residents and increased from 29% to 71% for Council staff who used the bikes for commuting, leisure and exercise.

Almost a third of Beryl bike journeys have replaced private car use, resulting in a range of benefits including reducing carbon footprints, providing exercise, improving mental health, reducing road congestion and freeing up parking spaces.

This change in behavior is not just fleeting; it signifies a lasting change. 61% of residents and 79% of council users expressed their intention to reduce their reliance on cars. In addition, one in five residents are now considering purchasing an electric bicycle in the next twelve months, further cementing the shift towards sustainable transport alternatives.

Lead researcher Mark Wilson from CAST said: “Participants in this study identified many benefits of using Beryl bikes in terms of comfort, health, carbon reduction and cycling up steep hills. These findings indicate that shared e-bikes offer an alternative to cars that is reliable, attractive and flexible, especially for frequent trips such as commuting.”

Richard Williams-Pears, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for transport, said: “Our e-bike sharing scheme has gone from strength to strength with over 160,000 journeys across Cornwall since it started in September 2022. I would encourage anyone interested in trying one. download the Beryl app and give it a try!”

“The findings of this research support our work to provide the infrastructure to support residents to make more sustainable travel choices. And schemes like our Travel to Work Grant can help employers play their part too.”

To encourage even more people to ditch their cars for e-bikes, researchers are recommending that Cornwall Council install new bike parking spaces near workplaces such as large offices or industrial estates. Another proposal is to create secure bicycle storage at workplaces and in city centres. It also recommends offering free e-bike trials on beaches and parks, expanding initiatives such as “Park and ride e-bikes” and integrating Beryl bikes with public transport hubs. Employers are encouraged to provide shared e-bikes and shower facilities to promote active commuting.

Since its inception in March 2022, 302 Beryl e-Bikes have been rolled out across Cornwall, in Falmouth, Penryn, Penzance, Turo, Newquay, St Austell and Saltash.

The aim of Cornwall Council’s scheme is to empower people to make healthier and more sustainable travel choices, particularly for shorter journeys and daily commutes.