Travel grants are on offer

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is offering grants of up to £1,000 to organisations with under 250 employees that want to increase the number of people cycling.

Up to 20 businesses, community groups or schools could benefit from the financial support if they encourage staff and volunteers to saddle-up and leave their cars at home.

Active Travel Grants offer an opportunity tobuy specific items, such as electric or fold-up bikes.

It is the second year the grants have been offered across South Glos with Kingswood-based business, LumOptica, one of those benefiting last year.

The research and product development company was awarded a grant to purchase an electric bike and has now introduced an e-bike company policy, and encouraged staff to take cycle proficiency courses.

Natalie Rees, project manager at LumOptica, said: “The team has been very excited about the new electric bike, it has brought so many benefits.”

Cabinet councillor Louise Harris said: “Active Travel Grants are a great way support smaller organisations make a big impact when it comes to reducing carbon emissions.”

For an application form, email: transport.policy@southglos.gov.uk