St Albans Green County and District Councillor Matt Fisher is leading by example on sustainable transport. He has been using an e-cargo bike to carry out council work across his patch.
The Hertfordshire-built Estarli bike has replaced diesel vans for many tasks. Matt uses it to transport tools for conservation work and collect recycling from local hubs.
“The thing that’s overwhelming is how easy stuff is to do, and how quick it is,” said Matt. “Doing this stuff in a van is just ridiculous.”
The bike has covered more than 100 zero-emission miles. It has saved over 50kg of CO2 and reduced van usage. Matt says it has also boosted staff efficiency and morale.
Green campaigning on wheels
Matt has taken the bike to local schools as part of clean air campaigns. Children and parents can see and try the bike for themselves.
“The cargo bike has made sustainability tangible,” Matt explained. “It’s leadership on wheels, and the school gate is the perfect starting line.”
The bike will soon be available for families to borrow for school runs. This gives them a chance to try active travel in real life.
Infrastructure needs work
Matt sees the project as part of a bigger picture for cycling in the county. He wants to use his County Councillor role to showcase what’s possible.
“Although we’ve got an appetite for cycling, we really need to do better on cycle lanes,” he said. “Work is being done, but we need to go much harder on it.”
The e-cargo bike was part funded through the Greener Together initiative. Matt hopes other councils will follow this model to promote sustainable transport.
“It’s about more than just transport,” he said. “It’s a platform for behaviour change, leadership, and local pride.”