'Bikes for Business' pilot program hopes to empower sustainability and reduce carbon footprint
A new program is hoping to empower sustainability by providing businesses access to a fleet of e-bikes for long-term trials, for free.
"It's really about getting pilot opportunities with businesses that are interested in changing the way that they do business. We've created a fleet of bikes that are specifically tailored to business activities, hauling community, etc. and we have them free for long term rentals for businesses that are interested," explained Andrew McClenaghan, London Bicycle Cafe co-owner.
London Bicycle Café officially launched its Bikes for Business pilot program earlier this month — an initiative funded through the 2024 Desjardins Goodspark Grant in collaboration with Green Economy London, and support from Northern Commerce.
McClenaghan hopes local businesses and organizations can explore how e-bike-based transportation can augment or replace traditional carbon-based delivery and commuting methods.
"Businesses love efficiency. It saves time, it saves money. The key to this is in some scenarios — the bike will be the best tool for that job," continued McClenaghan. "It's not all or nothing, replace your whole car fleet, but there may be scenarios where this makes more sense. We want to help you figure that out."
The Bicycle Cafe in London, Ont. on Oct. 18, 2024. (Reta Ismail/CTV News)
Early pilots of the program include 519Pursuit and Meals on Wheels, both organizations are committed to serving the community’s most vulnerable populations.
"It allows us to reach encampments, which are difficult to get to via vehicle. So now we're out on a cargo bike with our meals, clothing bags, socks, and all of our hot meals and we get them, to the friends as we call them, along the Thames River," explained Rod McDowell, a volunteer with 519Pursuit.
The program hopes businesses and organizations experience firsthand the environmental and operational benefits of e-bike transportation, helping them reduce their carbon footprint.
London Bicycle Café will maintain and store the six e-bike fleet, allowing businesses and organizations to trial these sustainable transportation options over long-term periods.
For more information on the Bikes for Business program, visit their website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING
BREAKING Boissonnault out of cabinet to 'focus on clearing the allegations made against him,' Trudeau announces
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced embattled minister Randy Boissonnault is out of cabinet.
Families of Paul Bernardo's victims not allowed to attend parole hearing in person, lawyer says
The families of the victims of Paul Bernardo have been barred from attending the serial killer’s upcoming parole hearing in person, according to the lawyer representing the loved ones of Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy.
Missing 4-month-old baby pronounced dead after 'suspicious incident' in midtown Toronto: police
A four-month-old baby is dead after what Toronto police are calling a 'suspicious incident' at a Midtown apartment building on Wednesday afternoon.
'They squandered 10 years of opportunity': Canada Post strike exposes longtime problems, expert says
Canada Post is at ‘death's door’ and won't survive if it doesn't dramatically transform its business, a professor who has studied the Crown corporation is warning as the postal workers' national strike drags on.
Sask. woman who refused to provide breath sample did not break the law, court finds
A Saskatchewan woman who refused to provide a breath sample after being stopped by police in Regina did not break the law – as the officer's request was deemed not lawful given the circumstances.
'Bomb cyclone' batters B.C. coast with hurricane-force winds, downing trees onto roads and vehicles
Massive trees toppled onto roads, power lines and parked cars as hurricane-force winds battered the B.C. coast overnight during an intense “bomb cyclone” weather event.
EV battery manufacturer Northvolt faces major roadblocks
Swedish electric vehicle battery manufacturer Northvolt is fighting for its survival as Canadian taxpayer money and pension fund investments hang in the balance.
Canada closes embassy in Ukraine after U.S. receives information on 'potential significant air attack'
The Embassy of Canada to Ukraine, located in Kyiv, has temporarily suspended in-person services after U.S. officials there warned they'd received information about a 'potential significant air attack,' cautioning citizens to shelter in place if they hear an air alert.
U.S. woman denied parole 30 years after drowning 2 sons by rolling car into South Carolina lake
A parole board decided unanimously Wednesday that Susan Smith should remain in prison 30 years after she killed her sons by rolling her car into a South Carolina lake while they were strapped in their car seats.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
