Sizewell C funds new community cycle hire scheme in Leiston

• Pedal to Zero marks significant step forward in sustainable transport for the area
• Eighteen bikes – including nine electric bikes – available to hire at five locations around Leiston
• Revenue generated will be reinvested into the scheme, enabling future expansion

A new bike hire scheme, funded by Sizewell C, has been launched in Leiston, offering residents and visitors an affordable and eco-friendly way to travel around town.

Introduced by Net Zero Leiston, the Pedal to Zero initiative marks a significant step forward in sustainable transport for the area.

The project, delivered in partnership with Active Cycling Projects, will run for three years and features a fleet of 18 bikes – including nine electric bikes – available for hire across five key locations: the Waterloo Centre, Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council, East of England Co-op, Community Centre, and Leiston Leisure Centre.

Pedal to Zero aims to promote sustainable travel, improve physical and mental wellbeing, and encourage engagement with local services – all while supporting the local economy.

The revenue generated will be reinvested into the scheme, enabling future expansion in Leiston and surrounding areas.

Lesley Hill, Mayor of Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council, said: “The availability of e-bikes at various sites around the town will offer residents a more sustainable option. It is hoped they will feel more inclined to cycle, rather than use a car or a bus for short journeys. This will help to encourage active travel and reduce dangerous emissions, supporting the ultimate goal of transitioning Leiston to a low carbon economy.”

The scheme builds on the foundations laid by Net Zero Leiston, a community-led initiative launched in 2020 to help the town reduce its carbon footprint. Recent achievements include the opening of the Leiston Energy Advice Hub, in partnership with Citizens Advice East Suffolk, and the publication of A Net Zero Pathway for Leiston – a comprehensive carbon assessment and roadmap developed with Opergy Group.

Jack Raven, Senior Regional Sustainability Project Manager at Sizewell C, added: “We are pleased to fund the creation of a new cycle scheme directly benefitting residents in Leiston and the wider community. This is another major step in supporting Leiston’s Net Zero journey, which hopes to encourage sustainable transport and promote social and economic benefits for the town.”

Pedal to Zero was officially launched on Thursday, when local councillors donned cycle helmets to give the bikes a try.

Councillor Tom Daly, East Suffolk Council’s cabinet member for Energy and Climate Change, said: “As a keen cyclist, I’ve always been a bit sniffy about electric bikes, but that was a lot of fun. I really encourage people to give them a go and hopefully this scheme will set an example for other towns.”

Active Cycling Projects, known for their user-friendly services, are managing the new scheme. Their mission of promoting large-scale cycling and positive behaviour change, aligns with the goals of Pedal to Zero.

Simon White, Director of Active Cycling Projects, which manages the app, said: “We are very pleased to have been selected to provide and manage the Pedal to Zero bike scheme in Leiston. Cycling and active travel is a key part to achieving net zero for any area and most local journeys in Leiston can easily be done on a bike. Our comfortable bikes and e-bikes will make cycling a more convenient and accessible option to residents of Leiston and visitors to the area.”

Residents can get started by downloading the App-Bike app, signing up for free, and choosing a bike from any of the available locations. Rentals can be activated by scanning a QR code or selecting a bike in the app. Bikes can be returned to any hub, making the experience seamless and convenient. Rental rates are set at £2 for 30 minutes or £5 for six hours.

The company, Virtue Electric Bikes, based in Woodbridge, will help maintain the bikes by keeping them in a safe working order.

The East of England Co-op is also supporting the initiative by hosting bikes at its Leiston Food store.

Steven Fendley, Head of Sustainability for the East of England Co-op, said: “We’re pleased to be supporting the Pedal to Zero cycle scheme by providing a space at our Leiston Food store to host bikes for the community. From enhancing sustainable travel to improving wellbeing, we’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on our communities.”

Julia Pyke, Joint Managing Director at Sizewell C, added: “I am pleased to see Sizewell C supporting such a forward-thinking initiative in Leiston. The new Pedal to Zero scheme will bring lasting benefits to the local community, by encouraging active travel, creating healthier lifestyles and reducing emissions while we work towards a Net Zero Leiston. It’s an exciting step towards a more sustainable future, and I look forward to seeing the difference this project will make.”

In addition to the bike hire scheme, Sizewell C is investing in future cyclists by funding Bikeability training for Year 6 pupils across 12 primary schools. The programme aims to build confidence, teach road safety, and promote independence among children.

James Ratcliff, Headteacher at Saxmundham Primary School, said: “Bikeability is very important to the children at Saxmundham Primary School, not only does it build their self-esteem and independence, but it also supports their physical and mental health. It’s important that children learn about the Highway Code, how to be safe on a bicycle and increase their responsibility as they get ready to move to Secondary School and have greater freedom.”