5 pedal powered Goodgym folks made it to the Ringcross Community Centre Foodbank tonight, to try out and learn how to use an electric cargo bike for deliveries.

Cliff, from Islington Cycling Club, lead the session, and has been an amazingly committed project leader for the food bank. Islington CC riders have been collecting food donations from shops and allotments almost every day during the lockdown!

None of our riders had ever tried a cargo bike before and were surprised about the size of the machine (a three wheeled Christiania e-bike, with a large bucket at the front). Cliff gave us all a detailed run down of all the features of the bike, and how to set it up (install battery, activate monitor and lights, gears, accelerator, brakes). A e-cargo bike can reach speeds of 25km p/hr, so learning to handle them safely is essential!

Each one of our Goodgymmers hopped aboard the e-bike, and adjusted to the new vehicle. Half bike, half electric scooter, but larger and with a wider turning circle! Our first test was along a quiet-ish neighborhood street, and the second time out was a bit further away, and sharing roads with cars and other bikes. A very effective way to develop your proficiency skills in a real life setting- ready to take on future deliveries.

Our crew were quick learners, and are clearly natural cargo bike riders! We hope to be able to post more Ringcross Community Centre delivery tasks in the very near future to keep those e-bike skills sharp!