Pioneering Sustainability: Our First Steps into Eco-Friendly Cycling
You might have noticed something different at Bridge Bike Hire this spring – our very own brand of Eco Bikes has hit the Camel Trail! We're proud to share the story of how this innovative, sustainable project came to life.
The Beginning of Our Eco Journey
The first eco tandem ready for hire on the Camel Trail
Earlier this year, we embarked on an ambitious project to revolutionise our fleet with sustainability at its core. Drawing on our 40 years of experience along the beautiful Camel Trail, we decided it was time to challenge the status quo and create something truly special.
"We wanted to see if we could maintain our high standards of comfort and reliability while significantly reducing our environmental footprint," explains Kelly, Director at Bridge Bike Hire. "The idea was simple but powerful – carefully renovate quality aluminium frames and replace only the essential, durable components."
One of our first batch of Eco Bikes to be built! Jan 2025
Starting Small – Tandems and Trial Bikes
We began our experiment with a small batch of tandems and a variety of bikes to help us assess what worked and what didn’t, creating the perfect testing ground for our sustainable approach. This careful start allowed us to learn valuable lessons about the renovation process, sourcing sustainable parts, and organising our workshop for maximum efficiency.
Our dedicated mechanic, Woody, has been instrumental in this process. With diligent research and a passion for sustainability, he worked alongside our management team to evolve this concept from a bold idea into practical reality. Woody carefully evaluated all options for parts, considering not just quality and durability, but also the environmental impact of manufacturing and shipping.
The Second Wave – Ladies' Bikes Ready for Easter
Encouraged by our initial success, we moved quickly on to renovate a batch of ladies' bikes in time for the Easter holidays. This expanded our Eco Bike fleet while implementing the lessons we'd learned from our first attempt.
"Each bike renovation teaches us something new," Woody notes. "We're constantly improving our processes, finding more sustainable and reliable suppliers, and refining our techniques."
Woody with the new Ladies Super Comfort Eco Frame March 2025
Learning and Growing
Not everything went perfectly from the start – and that's exactly what we expected. This project has been a journey of discovery, with each challenge providing valuable insights:
Organising our workshop more efficiently for renovation projects was a lesson quickly learnt!
Sourcing and developing relationships with suppliers who share our sustainability and quality values is a challenge
Finding the perfect balance between restoring original components and replacing worn parts
Creating streamlined processes that maintain quality while reducing waste
And we are still working on it!
The Results Are In
The response from our customers has been overwhelmingly positive. Riders appreciate not just the comfortable, smooth experience our Eco Bikes provide, but also the story behind them. Every bike represents our commitment to preserving the beautiful landscape of the Camel Trail for future generations.
As Cornwall's only bike hire company pursuing this level of sustainable innovation, we're proud to be setting new standards for eco-friendly cycling experiences. Stay tuned for updates as our Eco Bike fleet continues to grow!
