Ahead of Clean Air Day June 16, Richmond Council is encouraging members of the community to get involved with the Peddle My Bike scheme, who are offering sustainable and environmentally friendly cargo bikes across the borough.

Peddle My Wheels is a local business success story, having been recipients of a grant from the Croydon Enterprise Loan Fund in 2018.

Through the funding, the business was able to purchase their workshop in Selhurst, growing their capacity to expand, which has led to them running similar schemes in 23 other London boroughs including Richmond upon Thames.

Our Bike, is a programme from the Peddle My Wheels team, aimed at breaking down the barriers to cargo bike use and helping to harvest a sustainable and community led initiative.

Refill Larder, an eco-friendly alternative supermarket, is Teddington's location for the area's exclusive cargo bike, which will be parked outside the business for people to hire, pick-up and drop-off.

Residents and businesses will have to register for the scheme, which will allow them two hours of free usage per day. Any longer use is charged at £3 per hour.

The electric bike is equipped for carrying a variety of cargo from children to shopping, to flower and food deliveries.

It can hold up to 100kg, comes with a rain rent to keep your cargo dry and the electric motor is included to get users up steep roads. The battery has a range of up to 45km (28 miles).

Residents that register will be contacted to book a face-to-face introductory session once the scheme launches. It includes a test drive, and a tutorial of the OurBike app, which gives information on how to reserve a bike and everything else you need to know.

Express your interest in joining the cargo bike scheme here.

Clean Air Day is the UK's largest air pollution awareness campaign and Richmond Council will be hosting a pop-up information stall at Richmond Station from 11am-4pm on Thursday 16 June to provide residents with information on active travel options and air quality in the borough.

Cllr Alexander Ehmann, Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Committee, said: "As a Council, we will continue to work with residents to improve the borough's air quality. In the lead up to Clean Air Day, we are encouraging residents to take cycling and walking choices to benefit both the environment and our health. 

"Whether it's leaving your car at home in favour of active travel options or switching to the bus, train or e-scooter, please do all you can on Clean Air Day and beyond to minimise your pollution contribution and help to ensure the air we breathe is clean and unpolluted."