DEPARTMENT FOR INFRASTRUCTURE
ELECTRIC BIKE FUND – “CAR2CYCLE” SCHEME
Purpose of the Report
To approve the “car2cycle” electric bike grant scheme commencing from 01 June 2016. Car2cycle is the funding mechanism that will enable local retailers within the private sector to deliver the States of Jersey Electric Bike Fund (“EBF”) grant in support of the States of Jersey’s Sustainable Transport Policy (2010) by discounting electric assisted pedal cycles (“E bike”) prices, (E bikes as prescribed in the Pedal Cycles (Jersey) Order 1998).
Background
The States of Jersey’s Sustainable Transport Policy (‘STP’) aims to encourage a move away from the dominance of the motor car to more sustainable travel options. The encouragement of cycling and improving alternatives to car use is fundamental to achieving a more sustainable future in Jersey. However, according to the recent JASS survey, cycling has remained relatively flat (5% travel to work by bike) over the last five years.
The STP also recommended that the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) will take a proactive role in identifying low or zero emissions personal transport and ensure that legislation[1] encourages their use, providing that safety is not compromised.
Discussion
Globally, E bikes outsell electric cars by a wide margin. An estimated 29.3 million e-bikes were sold in 2012 (of which 600,000 were sold in Europe) compared to about 120,000[2] electric cars sold. Unlike electric cars, E bikes help reduce congestion, encourage modal shift away from the car, and further health objectives to get active.
Over the last three years and after consultation with local bike retailers, approximately 100 E bikes have been sold in Jersey. A subsidised scheme providing £300 grant per bike, thereby encouraging the sale of E bikes, would make them more attractive and affordable (most E bikes are sold for over £1,500 per bike locally). The scheme would also help tackle Jersey’s hilly topography, one of the key barriers to cycling. Evidence from local retailers suggests an increasing confidence in E bikes, with future forecasts showing a doubling trend of E bike ownership in the next three years. Retailers are supportive of the scheme; there is a Partnership Agreement and Retailer Declaration form available for local retailers to participate in car2cycle (see attached).
Encouraging the public to buy E bikes is anticipated to prove beneficial on several levels. Apart from the light environmental footprint of such vehicles, E bikes will help reduce congestion, free more parking spaces, provide access for those who may struggle with a regular push bike, improve air quality (see Jersey’s Air Quality Strategy), decarbonise transport (Energy Pathway 2050) and assist with tackling the topography of Jersey far more easily.
Physical inactivity is a leading cause of obesity and premature mortality with estimates from Public Health England projecting 70% of adults are expected to be overweight or obese by 2034. E bikes assist with cycling initiatives to achieve a healthier, fitter, more active[3] population by incorporating more activity into commuting or leisure trips. Evidence shows that measures to increase cycling contribute to a wide range of social, economic and environmental objectives at a relatively low cost. In 2008, NHS research concluded that a £9,000 investment in cycling would need to generate just one regular cyclist over a 30 year period in order to break even. Appraisal also shows high benefit-cost ratios for investments in cycling, largely through congestion and health improvements. For instance, increases of 27% in cycling rates are estimated to have generated health benefits alone of around £2.50 for every £1 spent. Area wide investment in the London Cycle Network showed a return of approximately 4:1. An evidence review for Bristol City Council concluded that small scale and targeted interventions can deliver even higher BCRs, averaging 19:1 for walking and cycling interventions[4]. Investment that leads to increased cycling offers very good value for money, delivering substantial economic, health and carbon-related benefits.
A range of individuals will benefit from the car2cycle scheme, including:
- mature/less mobile who may suffer from mobility issues, knee/back pain and who may not be able to drive, or who value extra energy that cycling gives;
- younger riders who want to get everywhere quicker and be trendy doing it;
- non/occasional bike commuters who haven’t cycled in a while and want to arrive at work fresh;
- regular commuters who want to improve their pace and distance but still have a healthy alternative to car use;
- leisure users who want to enjoy Jersey’s countryside on the weekends with ease;
- shoppers who do not want to drive into town to avoid finding a car parking space;
- environmentalists who want to keep pollution and emissions to a minimum; and
- economy users who want to save money on parking, insurance and petrol.
Individuals will be required to sign a declaration form (see attached).
Checks and ‘conditions of funding’ will be put in place by DfI to measure the scheme at six month and annual intervals including a survey that will be sent to participants of the scheme within three months of purchasing an E bike.
All officers involved in the management of the EBF grant will need to be comfortable with the Specific Requirements that are relevant to them, i.e. £300 per bike, not means tested, one bike per individual, over 14 years old, local residents.
Conclusion
The scheme will contribute to the strategic aims of the STP. The aim is to influence a change in behaviours by attracting at least 1% of the Jersey population to own and use an E bike over a three year period between 2016 and 2018. After which time, it is envisaged that acceptance of E bikes will be normalised into mainstream transport and no further funding will be available.
Recommendation
The Minister is recommended to approve the car2cycle scheme.
Reason(s) for Decision
To increase cycling in Jersey by broadening the range of cycle users and using the E bike as a car alternative, in accordance with the States’ Sustainable Transport Policy.
Resource Implications
There will be £50,000 allocated by DfI to the car2cycle scheme in 2016 as a trial period for the scheme, with further similar annual funding expected to be available until 2018. Once the funding has been used, the scheme will come to an end.
Action Required
Officers to liaise with local retailers to introduce the scheme on 01 June. DfI will engage with local ‘celebrities’ to blog about their experience with E bikes. A launch event will be organised in line with environment week green travel day (09 June) and UK Bike Week (11-19 June).
Marketing materials including a leaflet and guidance notes will be made available and promoted to the usual channels. All information will be uploaded to Gov.je.
Written by: | Transport Planner Trainee |
| |
Approved by: | Director of Transport |
| |
Y:\Minister\2016\Ministerial Decisions\WR Electric Bike Fund.docx
gov.je