Four years on and still no Ebikes hires on the Formartine and Buchan way
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A project which aimed to offer Electric Bike (Ebike) hire at strategic points near the Formartine and Buchan Way is now fast approaching four years since its approval, and still no bikes have been ever been hired out.
The Formartine and Buchan Way is a 53-mile, long distance route along the former railway stretching from Dyce to Maud, with branches north to Fraserburgh and east to Peterhead.
Since being decomissioned in 1979 then the former railway has been a popular resource for locals and visitors alike and has been recognised as one of Scotland’s Great Trails by Scottish National Heritage.
In late 2018 a study by the Transport Strategy Unit within Aberdeenshire Council indicated that electric bike hire would be a viable and welcomed resource and in April 2019 a contract worth £120,000 was put out by the council to cover costs to purchase 20 ebikes, 20 adjusting helmets and accessories such as bike locks and puncture repair kits.
The project's original start date was provisionally set for July 2019, with a duration of 12 months.
But in a new report which goes before councillors at the infrastructure services committee on Thursday, the scheme is still to be started.
It explains: "Bikes and tracking systems have now been prepared with a formal launch of the EBike scheme due to be held in the first quarter 2023.
"The booking system will utilise the platform MOQO currently utilised for the staff E-Bike scheme.
"An active travel awareness event will take place in the Spring, with a date still to be decided.
"Work is also under way to support the launch of the scheme by liaising with cafes based close to the route of the Formartine and Buchan Way to find places which are willing to be ‘E-Bike Friendly’.
"These are venues which will allow E-Bike users to charge their bike batteries while they are visiting. "
The report also reveals that there is still friction between parties over the provision of Ebikes at Kintore station which are now overdue by 12 months, with no date for resolution yet.
It comments: "ScotRail originally agreed a location for the infrastructure to be installed at Kintore in February 2022, however this location was later deemed unsuitable.
"In August 2022, we received an agreement in principle for a new location with ScotRail who have agreed to undertake the works on our behalf.
"ScotRail have completed the tender for the works and contract documentation to allow the contract are being finalised.
"Once the contract is awarded, we will receive a start date for the works from ScotRail. "
