ELECTRIC bikes will soon be available up and down the Durham Dales as The North Pennines Electric Bike Network expands its reach with five new hire points.

The network, which is run by the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership, is heading into its second season with new outlets in Teesdale and Weardale.

The new hire points include Bowlees Visitor Centre in Upper Teesdale, Chatterbox Café in St John’s Chapel, Killhope Lead Mining Museum, Bradley Burn Farm Shop near Wolsingham and Weardale Community Transport in Stanhope, where bikes will be available to hire from Wednesday, April 1.

Chris Woodley-Stewart, Director of the AONB Partnership, said: “We’re really pleased that we have these new businesses on board. The more bikes we can get out there, the more people can enjoy the North Pennines.

“On electric bikes you have all the benefits you’d have on a regular bike, the wind on your face, the chance to stop and look around, and although you still get decent exercise it’s less hard work than a regular bike. And as we’ve so many miles to explore here, this opens up cycling for more people to enjoy.”

Cameron Gordon, owner of Chatterbox Cafe, said the bikes are fantastic. He said: “There is an impression that cycling is for the super fit, and to cycle some of the hills around here you do need to be fit, but these electric bikes make cycling accessible to anybody. I think they’re fantastic.”

Shane Harris of the AONB Partnership added: "The addition of the electric bikes is helping make businesses more sustainable as well as attracting more people into the area. We know there has been interest from local people too which is great."

There are now eleven hire points throughout the North Pennines, including several in the Allen Valleys.

Along with the hire points, pubs and cafes throughout the AONB have signed up to become charge points. So if an adventure lasts a little longer than planned, there are plenty of places to refuel both bike and rider.

The bikes are available to hire for £25 a day or £15 for half a day. Shorter and longer hires are available and helmets, locks, chargers, paniers and route maps are all included in the cost.

The project is supported by the Rural Development Programme for England, for which Defra is the Managing Authority, part financed by The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas.

For more information visit electricbikenetwork.org.uk