Northern customers planning to explore the South Lakes and Morecambe Bay can now transfer from track to trail with ease thanks to the launch of ‘Ease E Ride’ at Arnside station.
Local business owner, Mike Tuner, has assembled a fleet of 30 bespoke electric bikes and opened a shop next to Arnside train station for the convenience of rail users.
Bikes are available for short or long-term hire for individuals or groups. ‘Ease E Ride’ is open seven days a week with prices starting from £35.
To help cyclists make the most of their e-bike experience, ‘Ease E Ride’ has devised a series of routes to showcase the best local sights, eateries and cultural gems.
Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern, said: “Arnside station welcomes over 115,000 customers a year – so it’s a great base for ‘Ease E Ride’.
“We’re always keen to work with other sustainable transport providers on ways to help reduce the number of cars on the road – particularly in areas like the Lake District – and we wish Mike all the best with the venture.”
Turner is no stranger to the county’s tourism scene, having previously owned and operated the ‘Treetop Trek’ in Windermere (now Zip World Windermere).
He is also a former board member of Cumbria Tourism and the Lake District National Park Partnership.
Commenting on the launch of ‘Ease E Ride’, Mike Turner said: “As someone who is very passionate about championing the use of sustainable transport in our region’s tourism industry, the railway station was the natural place to base the business.
“We want to collaborate with other local business – as well as Northern – to get the message out there that e-bikes are the best way to explore our beautiful countryside and coastline.
“For anyone that does arrive by train, we’ll also take their luggage and deliver it to their accommodation so they can begin exploring the minute they arrive in the town.”
Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tourism, added: “It’s great to see an initiative that offers a sustainable onward travel option straight from the station. With the wealth of cycle routes in the area, and a little bit of extra oomph to tackle the hills, it’s a brilliant way to explore and get a taste for the area and its beautiful countryside. It really helps to make the journey part of your experience.
“Arriving to Cumbria by rail takes in some of the most scenic stretches of trainline in the UK and to connect that with a low carbon onward travel offer really enhances the visitor experience”.
Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.
