Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability Shane Rattenbury announced recently that The ACT Government’s electric bike fleet has traveled 2500 kilometres – more than the distance between Canberra and Wellington – since a trial commenced late last year.
“The eight e-bikes introduced to the ACT Government’s vehicle fleet have proven popular with staff in participating Directorates since being introduced in the last few months of last year,” Mr. Rattenbury commented “E-bikes are easy to use and provide a healthy and sustainable alternative to work cars and taxis for short work trips. The riders still need to pedal but the electric motor makes it easier and ensures they get to their work meeting comfortably and efficiently.”
Mr. Rattenbury explained that more than 150 ACT Government staff across four Directorates have now been inducted in how to safely use the e-bikes which is a great result. Not surprisingly records indicate that most journeys are between Dickson and Civic or Barton, making the most of Canberra’s bike path network. Rattenbury added that as well as encouraging active travel and the health benefits of exercise, the use of e-bikes helps reduce costs such as taxi fares, car parking, bus fares and fleet running costs as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“The ACT Government is committed to leading the way on carbon neutrality through increasing sustainable work travel options for staff. Directorates promote the use of active travel, walking, cycling or taking public transport, for short work trips,” Mr. Rattenbury commented “Staff are provided access to MyWay cards for work trips, agencies have established bike fleets and government has increased its electric vehicle fleet to 17 electric cars, supported by 29 charging points.”