10 May 2019
Electric cargo bike is great for greengrocer
An environmentally friendly form of transport is proving to be of benefit to a business in Banff.
Aberdeenshire Council’s Transport and Sustainability Team have loaned greengrocer Oliveira’s an electric cargo bike for local deliveries.
The bike will help the greengrocer, located in High Street, Banff, to be even more environmentally friendly through avoiding the need to use a car or a van.
Cllr Peter Argyle, Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee chair, said: “One of our council priorities is to protect our special environment, including tackling climate change by reducing greenhouse emissions, so I am delighted to see that local businesses are working with us to help meet this aim.”
Committee vice chair, Cllr John Cox added: “Aberdeenshire is such a special place boasting picturesque seascape as well as magnificent mountains. It is vitally important that we all work together to ensure this special part of the country remains from mountain to sea; the very best of Scotland for future generations.”
Cat Oliveira, owner of Oliveira's, commented: “We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to loan this brilliant bit of kit. Oliveira's, although predominantly a greengrocers, is committed to bringing awareness about environmental issues to the people of Banff and Macduff, and further afield. What better way to 'practice what we preach', than doing our local deliveries by bike? It will also allow us to 'be seen' in the local community, and perhaps make people consider the way their choices impact the environment on both a local and global scale.
“Furthermore, I believe the delivery service will be very popular. Many people in the community struggle with various ailments and may not be able to manage heavier items while walking or taking the bus. Having this service is a further incentive to buy produce more economically, locally, and reduce wastage.”
Half of the purchase cost of the bike has been met by the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places scheme run by Paths for All, a Scottish Government initiative that aims to provide sustainable transport.
Whilst the bike contains an electric motor, it is classed as a bicycle as it is pedal operated, so those riding it do not require a driving or motorcycle licence. The bike can travel up to 25 to 30 miles on a full charge and is topped up the same way as an electric car.
Aberdeenshire Council is accepting requests from businesses to loan the bike for free for up to six months. If you are interested please email transportationstrategy@aberdeenshire.gov.uk