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Canberra Today 15°/17° | Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Electric bicycles for the ACT’s public servants

bamboo electric bicycle

MEEGAN Fitzharris and Simon Corbell have announced a trial of pedal assisted electric bicycles (e-bikes) across ACT Government workplaces to promote sustainable and active local work travel by staff.

The trial will encourage the use of e-bikes as an alternative to motorised transport.

“E-bikes will be made available to ACT Government staff as an option to replace trips that would otherwise be carried out by cars or taxis,” Simon said.

“This is another innovative initiative by the ACT Government to help reduce costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase efficiency – and will help to ensure Canberra reaches its goal of being carbon neutral.

“Under the trial eight e-bikes will be used at locations in the Northbourne-Civic corridor, where there is expected to be high usage for short trips between ACT Government offices.

“Not only will e-bikes help to reduce Canberra’s greenhouse gas emissions, they will reduce transport related costs including taxi fares, car parking and fleet car running costs.”

Meegan highlighted a number of health benefits associated with the introduction of e-bikes.

“E-bikes are relatively easy to use and will enable ACT Government employees of all ages and fitness levels to give a bike a go when travelling to and from meetings or appointments,” Meegan said.

“Active travel can be a quicker and more convenient form of transport for short trips, removing the hassle of trying to hail a taxi or find a car park, and is also a great way to incorporate some physical activity into each day.

“One of the key messages from Professor Serge Hoogendoorn – a transport expert from the Netherlands who visited Canberra last month – was that Dutch workers are happy to use cycling as a means of transport to and from meetings if the infrastructure is available, which is why we are keen to provide these type of facilities in the ACT.

“The ACT Government remains committed to delivering active travel opportunities for Canberrans and leading by example when it comes to finding new ways for our workforce to be productive.”

The fleet of e-bikes forms part of the ACT Government’s Healthy Weight Initiative, supporting a healthy, active and productive community.

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