City of New Westminster staff “go green” with electric bikes

New Westminster, BC - The purchase of three new electric bicycles has City of New Westminster staff switching from fossil-fuel burning cars to electric-powered bicycles for their business travel needs.

“For most destinations in New Westminster, the electric bikes are as fast as, if not faster than cars,” says Jenyfer Neumann, Transportation Demand Management Coordinator. “By sticking to the bike routes, our staff are able to avoid heavy traffic and the full electric assist also keeps staff cool – except for steeper hills, pedaling is not necessary.”

The arrival of three new electric bikes at City Hall earlier this summer was met with enthusiasm by city staff whose work takes them to facilities throughout New Westminster.

“I’m delighted to have the option of using the e-bike when I conduct project site visits,” says Julie Schueck, the City’s Heritage Planner. “It feels good to be environmentally-friendly, it is efficient and easy to use, I don’t have to worry about finding a parking space, and most of all it’s fun to ride! In fact, I am thinking of getting one for my personal use too.”

A regular e-bike user, Director of Parks, Culture and Recreation Dean Gibson agrees.

“My experiences so far have been quite positive,” says Gibson, who rides approximately 7-10 km each workday on the electric bike – travel that he would use his car for before. Not only are the electric bikes quick and convenient, but switching to them helps to reduce the City’s greenhouse gas emissions.

“After surveying staff, we found that many people drive because they need their vehicles for work,” says Neumann. “By providing more fleet vehicles, staff are able to leave their cars at home, or even sell an extra family car if they don’t need it for work anymore.”

The electric bike initiative is part of the City’s corporate Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program which supports and encourages staff to switch to more sustainable transportation modes, such as transit, cycling and car-pooling, for getting to work, instead of driving alone. In addition to providing the three electric bikes for staff use, the City also has:

• made more traditional fleet vehicles available during the work day
• become a member of The Company Car, part of the Co-operative Auto Network
• provided access for city staff to TransLink’s discount annual transit pass program
• implemented a Guaranteed Ride Home policy should staff members taking transit to work be called away to tend to an emergency
• become a member of Jack Bell Ride-Share to promote car-pooling and provide ride-matching
• provided personalized transportation planning for all interested staff
• purchased two fleet “regular” bicycles available for staff use
• updated information available about sustainable transportation options

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Contact:
Ashleigh Young
Communications Coordinator
604-527-4599 or ayoung@newwestcity.ca