A local charity has been the major beneficiary of the latest round of awards by Transport Scotland’s eBike Grant Fund.

Forth Environment Link, which launched Scotland’s biggest electric bike hire scheme at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in the summer, will receive £91,348 to buy 40 e-bikes.

It was one of 19 successful applicants from across the country that will share funding worth a total of £273,000.

Falkirk West MSP Michael Matheson, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, made the announcement on Sunday, which was World Car Free Day.

He said: “This latest round of awards means we have now funded more than 600 e-bikes across Scotland, offering thousands of people the chance to access e-bikes in their communities in an affordable manner.

“I’m particularly proud that our local area is at the forefront of the e-bike revolution, thanks to the excellent work done by Forth Environment Link through its active travel hubs in Falkirk and Stirling.

“These awards coincided with World Car Free Day, which reminds all of us to consider leaving the car at home and travelling in ways that are better for our own health and well-being as well as that of our environment.

“As an enthusiastic e-bike rider myself, I’m committed to help offer as many people as possible this active and exciting opportunity to travel more sustainably on their everyday journeys.”
Forth Environment Link has bike hire stations at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, the Kelpies, Falkirk Wheel and the University of Stirling, with plans to expand to more locations.