A NEW vehicle is set to be spotted on the streets of Sunderland, as part of the city’s on-going campaign to promote sustainability and environmentally friendly travel.
Sunderland City Council, in partnership with Sunderland’s BIDs, have bought an E-cargo bike which will be used for a variety of initiatives across all BID areas – the city centre, Sheepfolds and the seafront.
And this scheme marks a first not just for the city but for the region as a whole.
The electric bike has a large “cupboard” style attachment which means it can transport equipment, be used for litter picking and street cleaning and also be deployed for a range of community-based activities.
The purchase has also led to plans to launch a cardboard recycling collection service in the future, where the BIDs’ street rangers will collect the carboard from local businesses.
The initiative is funded through the Department for Transport (DfT) and the North East Combined Authority (NECA) via the 2024/25 Active Travel Capability Fund, administered by Active Travel England, which is working to strengthen local authorities’ ability to deliver high quality active travel initiatives.
Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland BIDs, believes the transporter bike will be a huge asset to the city.
“The E-cargo bike is extremely versatile which means our street rangers can use it for a whole host of activities that are beneficial to both businesses and residents,” she said.
“It is a great step in our move to more sustainable transport and reducing carbon emissions as well as us supporting the ambitions of Active Travel England, which aims to increase the number of local journeys that are walked, wheeled or cycled.”
Cllr Lindsey Leonard, Sunderland City Council’s portfolio holder for Environment, Transport and Net Zero echoed Sharon’s comments.
"Bringing an e cargo bike service to Sunderland is an exciting step forward in how we support cleaner, greener and smarter ways of doing business in our city,” she said.
“This partnership between the City Council and Sunderland BIDs shows what’s possible when we work together to innovate, reduce emissions and improve the experience of people who live, work and shop here.
“Being the first project of its kind in the North East is something we’re incredibly proud of, and we hope it inspires even more sustainable initiatives across the region."
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