Mendip District Council and bike tour specialists The Open Road Experience, held their final free e-bike taster session in Glastonbury.

The event took place at the Somerset Rural Life Museum and was the last of five sessions delivered across the district in recent weeks, and was well attended.

The e-bike trials were funded through Mendip's Tourism Grant, which aimed to support organisations with projects that enhanced the district as a tourist destination.

The Frome-based business, The Open Road Experience, who offer independent and guided tours on e-bikes and tandems, received a £5.7k tourism grant to purchase an additional electric bike and trailer. They offered to host the five taster sessions as a way to share their knowledge and equipment with those interested in e-cycling.

Cathy Thompson and Graham Hey, Directors of The Open Road Experience, said: "Partnering with Mendip District Council to offer free e-bike trials has been a fantastic confirmation that e-cycling can open people's horizons. We'd like to thank the Council for their support.

"We've had riders of all ages and abilities get on an e-bike and find that not only can they do it, but that they love it! 

"We've also seen regular cyclists join our sessions, curious and wanting to see what all the fuss is about... and they love it too!"

Cllr Simon Carswell (centre) attending The Open Road Experience's free e-bike trial in Glastonbury.

Cllr Simon Carswell, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, who attended the final session said: "I had a lot of fun e-biking and would like to thank The Open Road Experience for hosting these engaging sessions for residents.

"The events were well attended, and I found it remarkably easy to ride an e-bike. 

"I would encourage anyone to think about this mode of transport as a way of improving health and wellbeing – and it's great for the environment too." 

Try e-biking with The Open Road Experience here: https://theopenroadexperience.co.uk/.