There's an Ease E new way to explore the South Lakes and Morecambe Bay for Northern rail passengers alighting at Arnside station.
A fleet of 30 bespoke electric bikes is available for hire from a new shop, which has been opened by local business owner Mike Turner.
The Ease E Ride shop is next to the station building and is open seven days a week. Bikes are available for short- or long-term hire and can be rented by individuals or by groups, with prices starting at £35.
Ease E Ride has also prepared a number of routes to guide visitors to the best local sights, eateries and cultural gems.
Mike Turner has long played an active part in local tourism. He previously owned and operated the Treetop Trek in Windermere (now Zip World Windermere) and is a former board member of Cumbria Tourism and the Lake District National Park Partnership.
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.”
Mike Turner added: “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, said: “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.”
