Totnes e-bike scheme ‘won’t cost a penny’

'We aim to create a safer environment for everyone'

New electric bikes being launched later this month in Totnes will not cost council taxpayers a penny.

The reassurance came after a member of the public queried the costs and the safety of the new ‘Catbikes’ at a South Hams council’s executive committee meeting.

During the public question time, John Grocock asked how much the scheme, which will see the bikes for hire at locations around the town, had cost.

He also wanted to know if the council had taken on board concerns about the safety of pedestrians and e-bikes using the ‘already busy and hazardous’ main street.

Cllr John Birch (Lib Dem, Totnes) said that while the exact financial arrangements were commercially sensitive, government grant money was being used to trial the bikes for up to three years.

And, he added: “The investment is in the order of £200,000 and it hasn’t cost the ratepayers of the South Hams a penny.”

He said one of the key reasons for backing the scheme was to reduce vehicles using Fore Street and High Street.

“By encouraging more people to use e-bikes instead of cars, we aim to reduce traffic volumes and create a safer environment for everyone, especially pedestrians.

“We will continue to monitor the scheme’s impact to make sure it benefits all users of the main street.”

The Catbikes will be available to hire from eight bases around the town, at Shady Gardens; Rotherfold Square; Steamer Quay; Weston Lane; Bridgetown; Totnes Leisure Centre; Follaton House and Totnes Railway Station.

Anyone wanting to hire one will need to download a mobile phone app to register.