Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has teamed up with Coventry cycle shops to offer those taking part in its mobility credits scheme, in which residents can trade in older, high-polluting cars for £3,000 credit, the chance to buy new bikes.
Launched in Coventry last year, the mobility credits initiative aims to encourage residents to switch from polluting cars to more environmentally friendly travel including public transport, taxis, car hire or bike hire.
Now, following a tie in with Coventry branches of Halfords and Cycle King & Hawk Cycles, those involved can use up to half of their credits on up to two new bikes or e-bikes, plus cycle accessories.
Anthony Caie, Halfords services and B2B director, said: “This is a really enlightened initiative by TfWM and Coventry City Council and we’re delighted to support it. Helping people make more sustainable transport choices, including moving to electric forms of mobility, is a core part of our mission. Millions of people are discovering new, green ways to travel, including e-bikes which are great for commuting.”
So far, 79 people have handed over old cars to be taken off the streets permanently and crushed. Anyone wishing to participate has until the end of March to apply.
Mobility Credits is a West Midlands Future Transport Zone project designed to get older cars off the road and to encourage owners to change their travel behaviour – thus reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality.
Andy Street, the mayor of the West Midlands, added: “If we are to succeed in weaning ourselves off our traditional reliance on the car and adjust to more active and healthy forms of travel, we have to be willing to try new ideas.
“That’s why I’m so encouraged by our mobility credits trial scheme, which we are now widening to include the purchase of bikes. This new offer means that those taking part can buy a bike for themselves and their family, instead of just hiring them, and can enjoy the healthy benefits of cycling long after the scheme ends.
“Overall the scheme – the first of its kind – has helped us to better understand what works well and what maybe does not when it comes to encouraging people to use more sustainable transport, and we will take on board these lessons when developing future projects.”
Read more: Enterprise supports UK’s first mobility credits trial
