MONDAY, 10 DECEMBER, 2018

For immediate release. Photography opportunity Overgate Shopping Centre, Dundee, 11.30am Tuesday, 11 December.

The Green Health Partnership launches e-bike initiative

The Green Health Partnership, a collaboration between NHS Tayside, Dundee City Council, Volunteer Dundee and Dundee Voluntary Action, is launching the Re-DISCOVER Dundee on Tuesday, 11 December to get more people out on bikes.

The Green Health Partnership’s pilot project Re-DISCOVER Dundee aims to encourage cycling amongst older people, first-time cyclers and those who are returning to cycling for the first time in years.

The project has a particular focus on the aging population facing inactivity and isolation to join in guided rides on e-bikes as an opportunity to stay active and re-discover our nearby green spaces. Each cycle ride will have a maximum of eight participants and will be led by trained volunteers who will ensure the group experience fun, safe and fully-supported cycle rides.

Re-DISCOVER Dundee is launching at the Overgate shopping centre on Tuesday 11 December, 11.30am to 2 pm, where people will have the opportunity to take part in taster sessions and trial runs.

Dr Drew Walker, Director of Public Health for NHS Tayside, said “The Green Health Partnership is working closely with communities in Dundee and providing e-bikes and e-trikes to help people build their confidence to get out cycling. Our aim in Dundee is to have a vibrant city where people can walk and cycle as often as possible because it makes us feel better.”

Eric Knox, CEO, Volunteer Dundee, said “With Re-Discover Dundee we aim to make cycling more accessible to more people, including those more isolated and less likely to engage in activities, helping them to 're-discover' Dundee and its vibrant changes. The project also offers an exciting opportunity for confident cyclists to become ride leaders, and we look forward to seeing Dundonians getting on the move.

Councillor Kevin Cordell, Dundee City Council neighbourhood services convener, added "This is a great way to inspire people to get out and enjoy Dundee's green spaces and feel the benefits of exercise. The E-trikes are designed to encourage Dundonians who maybe haven't been on a bike for a while to go for a cycle, and I am sure this will give them a real boost in confidence as well."

The Green Health Partnership successfully secured £15,000 of funding from the Energy Saving Trust to buy two e-bikes, eight e-trikes and one trailer. The finding was announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity during Climate Week in October and was matched in-kind by a combination of public and third sector organisations and community groups, in the form of storage facilities, equipment and bikes’ maintenance, volunteer management or promotion.

Dundee is the first city in Scotland to pilot e-trike rides. One of the advantages of e-trike riding is the increased stability, so even those who have poor balance or limited confidence in riding can enjoy a spin safely and comfortably. Also, e-trikes will give riders an extra boost if required, making cycling more accessible to more people, regardless of their fitness levels and ability.  

Re-DISCOVER Dundee is encouraging community groups and individuals to get in touch if they wish to give it a try it or be part of the regular programme of cycle rides, contact  rediscover@volunteerdundee.org.uk 

Contact:

Carin Pettersson

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740716