Local e-cargo bike trial marks three years of greener family transport

THE LIMERICK Cycling Campaign is celebrating the third anniversary of their E-Cargo Bike Trial, a project that has transformed how families across Limerick think about everyday transport.

Launched in 2022 under the EU’s Horizon 2020+CityxChange research and innovation programme, in partnership with Limerick City and County Council, the trial was initially funded for one year.

The project's success has pushed it beyond the original project timeline, from the dedication of the Limerick Cycling Campaign, the continued support of Dr James Greene at the University of Limerick and through the ISCycle research project.

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Over the past three years, dozens of families have had the opportunity to borrow an e-cargo bike for several weeks, giving them a real-world chance to see how cycling could fit into their daily lives.

Participants used the bikes for everything from commuting to work and school runs to shopping trips and sporting activities, proving that sustainable transport can also be practical and fun.

A number of local businesses have also availed of the trial for deliveries and errands, showing how sustainable transport can support both families and small enterprises in Limerick.

Feedback from participants has been positive as many families reported that the e-cargo bike was a ‘game changer’ as it replaced numerous car journeys.

Several households chose to sell their second car and invest in an e-cargo bike after their trial experience.

The Limerick e-Cargo Bike Trial continues to operate today as a community-led initiative, empowering local families to make greener transport choices and contributing to Limerick’s vision of a cleaner, more liveable city.

Anyone interested in trialing an e-cargo bike should email limerickcyclingcampaign @gmail.com or reach out on bluesky at pfitzp.bsky.social or X @lmkecargobike.