eBikes integrated in South Yorkshire’s “once in a generation” transport vision

Last summer, 12 local Mayors across England pledged to create a national active travel network to boost walking, wheeling and cycling in the country and now South Yorkshire’s Mayor – Oliver Coppard – has been fleshing out the detail of a “once in a generation” vision for transport in the region.

South Yorkshire People’s Network promises a joined up, sustainable transport system, that serves every community. Affordability, reliability and being “safe and easy to use” are guiding principles, according to the press statement.

Electric bikes are integrated within this transport vision, with new eBike subscription and hire schemes set to launch next year. That drills down to the Mayor’s South Yorkshire-wide eBike subscription programme of 250 eBikes in March 2027 “to help everyone go the distance and conquer the hills and highways of South Yorkshire”, and Sheffield City Council’s eBike hire scheme (900 eBikes in spring 2027).

More funding is promised for walking, wheeling and cycling and road safety, as well as cash going to major renewal and enhancement of our tram network and £350m to reform South Yorkshire’s buses. For the entire project, there’s £1.5bn of investment “to start us off “– including £630m towards the major renewal and enhancement of the tram network and £350m for SY buses. 

Local mayors have – in major cities – proved catalysts for increased levels of cycling, with compelling examples in London and Paris among others. Aside from in the capital, England has only relatively (re) introduced local mayors with significant powers over local transport and – coupled with the aforementioned active travel pledge made last year – there is perhaps reason for encouragement for the ‘cycling as transport’ sector.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “Transport isn’t just about getting from A to B. A proper public transport network gives people real freedom and choice about how they travel and move, connects people to opportunity and opens up new horizons.

“But public transport in South Yorkshire has been broken for too long. I promised to make change happen, to give South Yorkshire back the world class public transport system we once had, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.

“That’s why we’re putting in a huge investment to fix our public transport system, backed by even greater ambition, so that we can build something that truly works for all of us across South Yorkshire; a real People’s Network.”

Chris Boardman CBE, National Active Travel Commissioner, said: “Walking, wheeling and cycling are the glue that makes public transport work — they are how most journeys begin and end, connecting people not just to their destination, but also to buses, trams and trains. Done well, a holistic approach will give thousands more children the safety and independence to get to school, enable older people to live well and longer in their communities, and connect the huge number of people without access to a car with opportunity.”

“The livery launched today is more than colour, it is a signal of intent to adopt a whole-system approach to funding and delivery. These colours should become a guarantee of a reliable, pleasant and affordable journey, and a promise of more choice in daily life.”