A green gardener from the Isle of Wight has switched his van for an electric cargo trike, all thanks to a grant from the Isle of Wight Council’s Sustainable Transport Access Fund.
East Wight-based Dan Groves has cut journey times, saved money and cut carbon emissions and says “I know I can honestly say to my children I’m really doing something to reduce my impact on the planet”.
Offering garden design, build and maintenance, Dan carries out all his maintenance work in the Seaview and Bembridge areas using his trike to carry his power tools, instead of his van. In the last year, the e-cargo bike has replaced over 500 diesel van journeys, saving nearly 2 tonnes of carbon (CO2) emissions.
Dan’s update follows on from the news that the Council is funding a 2-month pilot study of electric cargo (e-cargo) bikes delivering goods on behalf of Cowes businesses. The project is being run by People Powered Community Interest Company (CIC).
Mr Groves said:
“My business and I are now very easily recognised and remembered in my main areas of work. I save a lot of money on fuel as all the short, stop-start journeys I used to make between jobs in my van were the least fuel efficient. It’s much cheaper on servicing and spares too, which I get done through Island Bikeworks.
“I know I can honestly say to my children I’m really doing something to reduce my impact on the planet and prompting others to consider how they might be able to do something similar. It’s not just CO2 – all the parts are far less degrading and depleting than a car or van, even an electric one, such as smaller brake pads and tyres.
“Members of the public who have approached for a chat when I’m with the trike are surprised at what I do and how much it can carry. My customers seem happy that I’m using the trike. By employing me, using the trike instead of a van, they rightly feel their gardens have a lower carbon footprint. It gives a very positive impression when parked outside their property.
Article continues below this advertisement “An important note is that all this interaction is a big plus compared to zero for a van, especially if a business is looking to grow.”
Cabinet lead for infrastructure and transport, Councillor Phil Jordan, said:
“I’m so pleased to hear that Dan has furthered his successful business, following his grant funding. It’s companies like this that will really push forward the change to using clean, green modes of transport for deliveries and put the Island on the map when it comes to cutting carbon emissions. I wish him all the best and long may his success continue.”
For further information about the pilot e-cargo bike project and to get involved, visit People Powered CIC’s website.
Well done, Dan – you’re an example to us all!
I wonder if the bio mass plant at Arreton will follow Dan’s lead instead having all those monsterous diesel powered tractor journeys. There again they would probably need about 10,000 cargo trikes to do same work making it a bit of a Jevons Paradox
Not to mention the health benefits from all that pedalling Dan! Hope you get up those inclines in Seaview ok.
A great example in contrast to those step-on and steer scooters.
Good luck with that in the middle of winter .terrible idea .