Laois becomes home to first public community eBike Library in the midlands

A newly renovated Market House in Portarlington, Co Laois hosts the first public community eBike library in the Midlands. The pilot project is led by Portarlington Community Development Association with support from Laois County Council’s Climate Action team and funding from the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment. The initiative provides bikes for leisure, recreation, short journeys, business trips, and exercise and fitness. Borrowers can register their interest on the Portarlington bike library website and take out a bike for three months after paying a refundable €150 deposit. After the loan period, the bike is returned for the next user and the deposit is refunded. The library includes nine electric bikes: four standard electric bikes in different sizes, two electric folding bikes, two longtail cargo bikes, and one box cargo bike.

"“I am delighted with the interest shown to borrow the bikes and the support that it will give the entire community for leisure, recreation, short journeys, business trips, and the exercise and fitness value. When bikes are shared across families, schools, and clubs, the impact grows. A child cycling to school or a coach biking to training can shift how a community sees transport - it fosters and creates a cycling environment. And when these habits stick, they shape future generations, especially if the cycling infrastructure is provided.”"

"“I am delighted to be associated with this initiative which will help change people's mindsets on daily travel habits with the aim of reducing emissions, increasing activity and creating stronger community connections.”"

"Those interested in borrowing a bike can express their interest on the Portarlington bike library website. A bike can be taken out on loan for a period of 3 months once a refundable deposit of €150 is made by the participant. On completion of the three month loan period, the bike is returned for the next user and the €150 deposit is returned to the participant."

"There are nine different electric bikes in total - four electric bikes (different sizes), two electric folding bikes, two longtail cargo and one box cargo bike."

Read at Irish Independent