Inverclyde's first ever eBike sharing scheme has hit top gear

Self confessed cycling fan Michael Matheson put his pedal power to the test when he visited the pioneering project at Cloch Housing Association in Greenock along with MSP Stuart McMillan and MP Ronnie Cowan.

Liz Bowden, the association's corporate services manager, says it was a great opportunity to highlight the scheme.

She said: "The visit from Mr Matheson has put a spotlight on an innovative project that promotes health and wellbeing, as well as promoting sustainable transport.

"This is just the start of what we hope will be a permanent service for customers and the wider community in the months and years to come."

The Inverclyde Ebike Sharing Project is a collaboration between Community Tracks Inverclyde and Cloch and it is funded by The Scottish Government in partnership with Nesta Sharelab.

As part of the project, customers and staff at the housing association can hire an eBike for up to a day, free of charge.

Four members of staff at Cloch are also attending courses on how to lead a guided ride.

The scheme is designed to increase active travel and encourage people to explore outdoor spaces in Inverclyde and beyond with the help of a battery powered bike.

Stewart Philips, project co-ordinator with Community Tracks Inverclyde, said: "This is a really exciting pilot project.

"We were delighted to receive funding for it through the Scottish Government and Nesta.

"The web app we have created is very flexible and will allow the addition of new partners and eBike locations as the project develops.

"We are especially grateful to the whole team at Cloch Housing Association for being so enthusiastic about the project from the outset."