26 August 2011
Cargo trikes trial at University
Photo opportunity: 12-3pm on Monday, 29th August at Campus Green, University of Dundee.
Visitors to the University of Dundee on Monday will have the chance to try out an innovative form of inexpensive, carbon-friendly transport.
The University have teamed up with the Solar Cities Scotland initiative to offer free trials of cargo trikes, three-wheeled vehicles with a large box capable of holding a load of up to 500kg situated to either the front or rear.
A free trial takes place at College Green, to the rear of Dundee University Students Association, between 12-3pm on Monday, 29th August. Anyone is welcome to try out the adaptable and robust machines at the event, which aims to show how they can help cut the costs of travel and encourage groups and businesses to consider using them.
Cargo trikes and bikes are available in a number of styles and sizes, and offer individuals, businesses and organisations a low-cost and low-carbon alternative to using cars or vans to move small or medium loads.
They can even be used to transport young children and have a road presence that makes them safe and steady. They can be fitted with an electric assist which makes travelling up hill easier.
Interest in cargo bikes and trikes has been growing rapidly in recent years and several Dundee businesses are already using them for everyday work. The University’s Environment and Sustainability Officer, Trudy Cunningham, said she hoped Monday’s event would encourage more people to consider using them.
'For local journeys like shopping trips or taking the kids out, cargo trikes may be ideal,' she said. 'They also offer a low-cost, environmentally friendly alternative for small businesses.
'They have been used in Stirling city centre for several years, and are at this years Fringe in Edinburgh, so hopefully we will see a full fleet of them operating around Dundee soon.'
Three different types of cargo trikes will be on display at Campus Green on Monday afternoon, and anyone who fancies trying them out is welcome to do so. Discounts on bulk purchases or even funding may be available.
Notes to editors:
Solar Cities Scotland is a Dundee based charity, promoting the use of renewable energy in all its forms whilst supporting residents to live low carbon lifestyles. Our Community Carbon Exchange Project is working with groups and businesses in the Marfyfield and Coldside areas of Dundee on Carbon Reduction Plans that will save money and reduce carbon emissions as a community.
www.solarcitiesscotland.org.uk.
For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
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