An independent bike shop in Cumbria is working to help people get back into the saddle, to improve their fitness, reduce their carbon footprint and have fun.
Eden-e-Motion in Hartley, near Kirkby Stephen, is run by husband and wife team, Paul and Kat Clow. The couple have already gained Female Bike Friendly status from the Association of Cycle Traders and are now working their customers to help them find how to cycling can fit into their lifestyle before they buy – then give them confidence riding on roads again.
Kat explained: “We have had a number of people come to test ride electric bikes, who haven’t ridden a cycle for some time. They have lost their confidence a little, so we offer a one-to-one Induction Hour, where we ride out with them on the roads, in traffic as well as on the quiet back routes.”
Kat and Paul will also be working with British Cycling Let’s Ride, offering free ride outs primarily for electric bike riders and their guests on normal bikes
Paul said: “These rides are designed for fun and to build confidence, a step up from our Induction Hour, and the challenge will increase as the year progresses. The first ride out through the villages and churches with a picnic will be 5 miles and take place on 17 May, however, there are only 15 places available and booking is essential as riders will have to sign up, for free with British Cycling.”
The other rides planned already for 2019 are 30 June, Fords and flowers 10 miles, 2 August,
Railways and viaducts 15 miles, 18 August, Castles and fells 20 miles and 30 August,
Tarn tour grand finale 25 miles. E-bikes will be available for hire for guests and the £15 rental fee will be fully refundable on any bike bought from Eden-e-Motion within 31 days of the hire.
Paul added: “We pride ourselves on helping people get the right bike for their personal needs, which is why we give people the opportunity to test ride on the beautiful roads around the shop, however, there is no benefit from having any bike if you don’t ride it. This is why, we are launching our bike hire service, where people can rent a basic e-bike for a longer period of time, take it home and see how easily cycling fits into their lifestyle. With an electric bike, you can cycle longer, so more people can cycle to work, reducing cost and their carbon footprint. E-bikes also come under the government’s cycle to work scheme so you can save up to 43%if you are working and your employer is signed-up with Green Commute.
“Our new rent-before-you-ride scheme gives you the full price of hire back off the price of any e-bike you buy from us within 31 days of bringing the hire bike back. This way you have plenty of time and opportunity to see how e-biking can benefit you and your bank balance.”
Kat and Paul launched their new services at Saturday’s Local Bike Shop Day.
Paul added: “You can read up on electric bikes online however there is no substitute for getting into the saddle and getting back on the road to see how e-bikes can benefit you – and as we are the local electric bike specialists, we can give you the best advice before, during and equally important, after your purchase. We also have our members’ cycle group where we provide information on how to keep your bike in great running order, share brilliant routes and coordinate ride outs. Buying local is more than a one-off event, it is purchase into ongoing care and support.”
To book an Induction Hour, place on the ride out or rent an e-bike call Paul or Kat on 07483901529.
