Region: South Gloucestershire

More people will have access to more sustainable travel choices from today as the West’s e-bike and e-scooter trial continues to evolve.

Dott, the operator of the shared e-bike and e-scooter trial service in the West of England, is expanding its service area into new areas of south Bath. For the first time, a section of the historic Bristol and Bath Railway Path between Bitton, Emersons Green, and Temple Meads is also being opened up, along with Concorde Way to Ashley Down.

The moves follow similar expansions in South Gloucestershire earlier this year and the start of 24-hour rentals, which have been well received by users. Concerns on common issues have simultaneously been tackled by Scoot Safe, a safety campaign led by the region’s Mayor and Police & Crime Commissioner, which highlights that people should ride responsibly and do the right thing on our roads. Over 11,000 fines, in just two and a half months since the campaign started, have cut the rate of poor parking in half.

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:

“Following expansions in South Gloucestershire this summer, more people in more of Bath now have the opportunity to use an e-bike or e-scooter to make shorter, sustainable journeys.

“As I have said before, convenient travel for some should not inconvenience others particularly where people share space. That’s why our combined authority is working with councils to roll out more marked parking areas to keep things tidy and, through our Scoot Safe campaign, raise awareness of the need for responsible riding and parking to keep riders – and others – safe.

“With enforcement from operator Dott, the introduction of fines for poor parking has improved parking standards significantly. Coupled with easier ways for people to report issues and bans for users who engage in two-up riding, we’re working to strike a better balance for everyone.”

Councillor Joel Hirst, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Strategy, said:

“The council is committed to give residents better travel choices. For a lot of our residents journeys by e-bikes and e-scooters, which help reduce congestion and emissions, are already a part of their day-to-day lives. We’re now expanding the trial area into the south of Bath, offer more travel choice and giving even more residents access to make their journeys shorter, more convenient and sustainable. We’re also pleased to be introducing 30 new virtual parking locations which will help keep our streets neat and tidy. For many this option provides a cheaper alternate to the car and the bus with greater flexibility.”

Councillor Plowden, Chair of Bristol City Council’s Transport and Connectivity Committee, said:

“We welcome this extension as a step towards giving people more sustainable travel choices. The Bristol to Bath Railway Path and Concorde Way are treasured walking and cycling routes, and it’s important that e-scooter and e-bike riders follow the rules and make sure they park in designated spaces none of which are on the paths themselves. We’ll continue working with partners to make sure these changes benefit everyone who relies on these green corridors.”

Iqbal Ahmed, Head of Public Policy UK/Ireland at Dott, added:

“Our mission to make sustainable transport simple and accessible for everyone, while reducing congestion and emissions. By increasing coverage in South Bath and opening up more routes in Bristol, Dott continues its commitment to support local mobility needs but always with respect for the safety and needs of both riders and non-riders alike.”

The changes comprise:

• An expanded operating area in Bath incorporating areas as far south as Southdown, Odd Down, and Combe Down, with the implementation of 30 new virtual parking locations. An extra 50 vehicles are also being added to Bath’s existing fleet to support increased demand. The newly added areas will be fully integrated into the existing network, allowing riders to travel seamlessly across Bath and connect communities to key destinations across the city.
• The Bristol section of the famous Railway Path as far as Bitton. This will provide residents along the path with a convenient alternative to the main roads. The Railway Path is one of the most beloved routes in the region, and the partnership with Bristol City Council, South Gloucestershire Council, and Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly known as Sustrans) ensures that shared e-bikes and e-scooters can now integrate seamlessly into this section of the network.
• The part of Concorde Way that connects Ashley Down, including the new train station, and St Werburghs will also be opened for Dott riders, creating new opportunities for travelling along one of Bristol’s most popular green corridors.

To find out more on where and how to hire go to: WESTscoot and WESTbike hire – WEST

Original press release by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority