HI-BIKE brings greener, healthier travel to Elgin
A popular e-bike hire scheme which is helping a growing number of people make greener and healthier journeys has rolled into Elgin.
Bikes are available at several stations in the town as part of the expanding HI-BIKE programme.
The Elgin models have additional features compared to those already operating in Inverness and Fort William where they are used regularly by local commuters and visitors.
HI-BIKE, managed by the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS), is a convenient and easy-to-use scheme offering social, environmental and health benefits. It is supported by the Scottish Government funded People and Place Programme to increase walking, wheeling and cycling and public transport for everyday journeys.
The scheme started in Inverness and later moved into Fort William, encouraging cyclists out of their cars to become more active, while reducing traffic congestion and air pollution.
Last year users made a total of 33,838 trips using the power-assisted bikes, with 71,175 miles covered in the area throughout the year.
The most popular locations to travel to and from included Inverness Railway Station and Fort William Travel Centre, highlighting the importance of convenient onward travel.
Bike stations in Elgin are situated at:
Plainstones
Cooper Park
Railway Station
Glen Moray Drive
Thornhill Road
Pinefield
UHI Moray College
Future stations include the leisure centre and Dr Grey’s hospital.
Bikes can be unlocked using a mobile app and a QR code on the bike’s central tube which also has other information including, speed, route distance and level of battery charge.
Cyclists can use the bikes at any time for station-to station travel within a GPS-protected area, with the ability to stop in between with a handy wheel lock.
A single ride costs £3 for the first 30 minutes, while a day pass in available for £8.
A three-hour Explorer ticket costs £10, while monthly membership is £15 and annual membership £110.
Monthly student memberships will be available in Elgin.
Customer support is available Monday-Sunday from 8am-8pm.
HITRANS’ Partnership Director Ranald Robertson said: “It is great news that Elgin residents and visitors can now access the HI-BIKE scheme.
“The bikes have proven to be extremely popular in Inverness and Fort William due to them being a convenient mode of transport which is also healthy for users and good for the environment.
“I am sure they will be equally popular in Elgin by benefiting transport integration and consumer choice.”
Councillor Amber Dunbar, the Moray Council representative on HITRANS’ board said:
“We’re delighted to welcome the HI-BIKE scheme to Elgin and give residents and visitors another practical, affordable and sustainable way to travel around the town. Making it easier for people to choose active travel benefits not only their health and wellbeing but also helps reduce congestion and supports our wider ambitions for a greener Moray. With stations located across key destinations in Elgin, I hope many people will take the opportunity to try the bikes and discover the convenience of travelling by e-bike for work, study and leisure.”
Find out more about HI-BIKE in Elgin at www.hi-bike.co.uk.