E-Bike'um! New festival in Mytholmroyd gives everyone the chance to try out an e-bike

Ever wondered what it's like to ride an e-bike? E-bike'um!, a new family-friendly festival takes place in Mytholmroyd on  Sunday July 3rd, 11am-4pm. The event will give everyone in the community the chance to  try out electric bicycles free of charge on a traffic-free section of Cragg Road, the longest continuous ascent in the country. There will also be pedal-powered music and food and drink. The aim is to introduce more people to e-bikes - a fantastic green travel solution for the hilly Calder Valley. 

The festival is being organised by the recently established Mytholmroyd Climate Group. Chair of the group, Joanna Christian, said: "This is the first E-bike festival in Yorkshire. We're proud that Mytholmroyd is ahead of the game! Everyone has heard how amazing electric bikes are so here's your chance to try one free of charge."

The event takes place on the green space at the junction of Scout Road and Cragg Road where marquees will be sited. All adults will be able to have a go at riding an e-bike, and children can try the stationary bikes that will generate power for the bands playing. Bikes are being provided by Blazing Saddles, Juiced Up and Cargodale, with food and drink provided by the Blue Teapot. 

Volunteers are needed to help make the event a success - please contact mytholmclimate@gmail.com to get involved. 

Research carried out at the University of Leeds has found that e-bikes, when used to replace car travel, have the capability to cut car carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in England by up to 50% (about 30 million tonnes per year), with the greatest opportunities being in rural and suburban settings.

The event is being funded through Hebden Royd Town Council's community funding scheme. Community funding will also support the Mytholmroyd Climate Group to develop a Repair Cafe to help provide mending services  to local people at low cost / free of charge. Repair Cafes typically repair items such as clothing, electronic goods and bicycles as well as providing a sharpening service. 

Added: Monday, 27 June 2022

Photos from Hebden Royd