New e-bike hire points in Falkirk district after cyclists clock 50,000 miles

Five new Forth Bike stations will open on Monday, March 1 thanks to funding from SP Energy Networks’ Green Economy Fund, The Energy Saving Trust and Falkirk Council.

E-bikes can currently be hired at The Helix, The Falkirk Wheel, Falkirk High Street, Forth Valley Royal Hospital and Stenhousemuir town centre.

As of next month, members of the public will also be able to hop on e-bikes at Falkirk Community Hospital; Zetland Park, Grangemouth; Callendar Park, Falkirk; Duke Street, Denny; and Union Street, Bo'ness.

A further six Forth Bike stations are also available in Stirling and Clackmannanshire.

The Falkirk area is already leading the way in e-bike use in Forth Valley, accounting for 10,244 of the 14,299 Forth Bike journeys made last year.

Eighty-seven key workers have taken advantage of free Forth Bike membership, with 13 more free memberships still available.

Forth Bike also has a half-price launch offer for new members – an annual subscription will cost just £32, instead of £65, from March 1-5.

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Shirley Paterson, of environmental charity Forth Environment Link, which manages the 144-electric bike scheme, said: “We have already seen unprecedented use of Forth Bike within Falkirk during 2020, with people finding the e-bikes a great way to explore their local neighbourhoods, keep their spirits up and stay fit.

“By doubling the number of charging stations, people will hopefully find it even easier to use the bikes for commuting and, as restrictions ease, to stay connected with family and friends.”

Councillor Paul Garner, Falkirk Council environment spokesman, said: “Providing an additional five new electric bike stations is such a great addition to the area.

“It’ll connect communities, increase access to our tourism attractions and town centres, create active travel opportunities that improve people’s health and well-being and let people visit areas they might not have thought of cycling to.

“I’d like to thank all involved in bringing this project forward, especially all those at Forth Environment Link’s Active Travel Hub.”

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