Thanks to a new partnership, people arriving in Buxton by train will have the choice of hiring an electric bike at special lower rates to allow them to explore further afield in the local area.
The innovative new scheme was created by the Friends of Buxton Station, who are working in partnership with Northern, Peak Ascent Cycles, and Buxton Town Team to bring it to life.
All passengers arriving in Buxton by train are now welcomed by posters telling them all about the new scheme. They simply head down to Peak Ascent Cycles to hire their electric bike, receiving a generous discount when presenting their rail ticket.
This pioneering idea could potentially be adopted in other areas, enabling rail travellers to explore towns more widely and in a sustainable way.
The launch event on Saturday 23 September coincided with an Open Day at Peak Ascent Cycles in celebration of the company’s fifth year of trading.
Dave Carlisle, Chair of Friends of Buxton Station, said: “The basis of the idea was a slightly unusual one, so it was decided to pilot the approach with a view to it potentially becoming a template for stations where it is impossible or difficult to provide cycle hire facilities.”
Patrick Healy, Peak Ascent Cycles Company Director, said: “I’m looking forward to working together with the partners who have helped get this project together. It will be great to offer e-bike hire to rail users, to allow them to sustainably explore our lovely town and wonderful countryside.”
Derek Bodey of Buxton Town Team, said: “We are delighted to be a partner in this venture, which represents another step in the implementation of the ‘whole town’ travel plan, which Buxton Town Team has been working on with other organisations, including Friends of Buxton Station, for a number of years.
“This provision will be further enhanced when the ‘onward travel/mobility hub’ is developed at the station. We are grateful for the enthusiasm and support of Peak Ascent Cycles and look forward to many more of our visitors choosing to travel to Buxton by train.”
Keep up to date with future news, projects, and events from the Friends of Buxton Station via their Facebook page.
