Free e-cycle scheme helps local Leicester colleagues discover the benefits of commuting by bike 

• Charity Cycling UK is offering colleagues at Samworth Brothers in Leicester free e-cycle loans and skills and confidence sessions through Making cycling e-asier 
• Funded by Department for Transport, the pilot scheme aims to encourage communities to consider e-cycling for short everyday journeys  
• Photos available

Since launching in March 2023, colleagues who work at the Samworth Brothers Beaumont Leys bakeries have been taking advantage of free one-month e-cycle loans, alongside dedicated skills and confidence sessions for those who would like to familiarise themselves with e-cycling. 

Samworth Brothers, the British food manufacturer, owner of Cornish pasty maker Ginsters and one of the largest makers of certified Melton Mowbray pork pies is working with Cycling UK to offer the scheme to over 4,000 Leicester residents.  

By taking part in the scheme many employees have discovered the cost, health and environmental benefits of e-cycling and have consequently cut down on unnecessary short car journeys to and from work, making the daily commute more enjoyable.  

I’ve always wanted to cycle to work but I never had that magical moment of doing it. I try to exercise every day, but I've got a busy personal and work life, so it’s finding time to fit that in. With my e-bike loan I pedalled eight miles both to and from work – commuting this way kills two birds with one stone as I get daily exercise when I’d otherwise be sitting in the car, and that’s quite an achievement

Paul Wilcox, IT operations centre manager, Samworth Brothers

Paul Wilcox, IT operations centre manager signed up to the Making cycling e-asier workplace scheme and has so far seen considerable benefits from switching from car to e-cycle for his daily commute: 

“I’ve always wanted to cycle to work but I never had that magical moment of doing it. I try to exercise every day, but I've got a busy personal and work life, so it’s finding time to fit that in. With my e-bike loan I pedalled eight miles both to and from work – commuting this way kills two birds with one stone as I get daily exercise when I’d otherwise be sitting in the car, and that’s quite an achievement.    

“I have absolutely saved money by pedalling instead of driving for my daily commute.” 

Jenny Box, deputy director of behaviour change at Cycling UK said: 

“We are delighted to see the success of our Samworth Brothers workplace hub and how well it has been received by colleagues. Working with local businesses has allowed us to reach a wide audience and help them to discover the huge benefits of commuting by e-cycle. 

“Making cycling e-asier loans and skills and confidence sessions are completely free. As people struggle with the impact of the cost of living and look for greener ways to travel, we hope we can help many more people to consider e-cycling as an everyday affordable mode of transport.” 

With the 100th annual Bike Week taking place from 5 – 11 June 2023, marking a century of celebrating everyday cycling for everyone, Making cycling e-asier is also looking to encourage local residents to experience the scheme for themselves and see how they can use e-cycling for their daily commutes to work and local journeys. 

Leicester residents can access free one-month e-cycle loans from Evans Cycles at Haymarket Shopping Centre, alongside skills and confidence sessions and loans at the Making cycling e-asier community hub at Leicester Bike Park with prior booking. 

The Making cycling e-asier e-cycle programme delivers part of the Prime Minister’s ambitious Cycling and Walking Plan (Gear Change) to boost cycling and walking, with a vision for half of all journeys in towns and cities to be cycled or walked by 2030.  

Councillor Adam Clarke, deputy city mayor for Leicester said:   

“In recent years, Leicester has made big strides in making every day cycling accessible to everyone. According to a 2019 survey, 18,000 daily trips were taken by bicycle in the city.   

“Leicester City Council is supporting Making cycling e-asier for city residents. Cycle training, confidence rides, route-finding, social projects, on-going bike hire and support for people of all abilities is available from the city and county’s dedicated sustainable travel site.” 

Cycling UK’s extensive experience of engaging with underrepresented groups means they recognise the barriers, challenges and perceptions that can deter people from trying cycling. Through their tried and tested behavioural change models, Cycling UK has the ability to deliver projects and programmes that attract diverse groups and empower communities. 

People can sign up and find more information about the scheme via Cycling UK’s website. 

One month e-cycle loans and skills and confidence sessions are based on a first come first serve basis with limited availability.  

Confirmed Making cycling e-asier partners, supporting the delivery include, Evans Cycles, Raleigh Bikes, Specialized, Tier Mobility, Islabikes, Wheels for All, Bikeworks, Fusion Media, Modeshift, Cyclescheme, Bike Right, Sharebike, Transport for Quality of Life.  

For more information, please visit the project home page. 

This year, Yellow Jersey is offering one week’s free bicycle insurance for anyone taking part in Bike Week. The offer is valid from 5-11 June.