“It was not what we had hoped for or wanted,” sums up the outcome of Cop15.
If you are a supporter of the environment you will be sadly disappointed at what our world leaders were able, or not able, to do after two years of planning, two weeks of face to face talks, and a cost of £130 Million - if not more - to bring together 193 nations under the UN Copenhagen Climate Change Conference and Summit.
On the other hand, if you think the rich nations can live without the environment and compensate for a changing climate then these talks won’t mean much at all, but could have threatened your lifestyle and income – especially if you happen to be the owner of a Texan oil or Russian gas well.
There has probably been no other meeting of world leaders in history with so much at stake – namely the very survival of our biosphere or life support system – and yet the whole event was vandalised by denials, self interests, political game play and arguments to render the negotiation process virtually null and void. A “weak agreement” led to no agreement at all but a “note to ....” say countries outside that agreement wouldn’t block it. No country was satisfied with what had been achieved.
One wonders if we have reached a point in human history when no united international decision or consensus can ever be made or achieved by such a diverse and combatant group of nations. Talk in the US is that world government was being imposed through the UN, and even that the communists’ are behind the green movement and trying to topple capitalist nations. It makes me think the “Age of Stupid” is alive and doing very well, thank you, but among the intelligent thinkers what has the United Nations really achieved with Copenhagen, and what are the chances of any better legally binding deal being done in Bonn or Mexico next year?
What was achieved?
Firstly, I was impressed at how all the nation delegations agreed that man is responsible for rising CO2 levels and the incontrovertible science that greenhouse gases trap heat around the Earth causing the climate systems to change and the cost of adaptation must be met. A “new level of ‘geopolitics’ has arrived,” said the commentators.
a) A general agreement that we must limit the rise in temperature to 2 degrees C on 1990 levels or the future for most significant life forms will be under threat. This limit does not, however, avoid some drastic changes to the world map and where people will be able to live in future. The less developed countries or small island states, who are suffering most from sea level rise and drought, wanted that level to be fixed at 1.5C. This could, after the next scientific assessment, become the real target.
b) Agreement was reached about the need for saving the rain forests and to do this tropical countries would be given billions of dollars not to cut down trees.
c) $100 billion to be given annually by rich nations to those suffering most by climate change by 2020 was supported, but not fixed. The poor countries wanted $200 billion with signatures.
d) A Climate Accord was drafted and agreed to by a group of leading nations, but nothing binding.
e) Politicians said “Real progress” had been made.
The world’s communities were watching and reading the news to find out what was decided and finally feeling the urgency and seriousness of the position we have now arrived at. My only reservation was that this news was confined, on British television at least, to News bulletins and not on the BBC or ITV main programme schedule, as for example with coverage of election night. Those who are late night telly watchers would have seen an interesting range of documentary climate focussed programmes across the channels. Sky News had the most consistent TV news coverage, in my view.
What wasn’t agreed?
a) Finally, it was only agreed to “take note of the Climate Accord,” rather than endorse it.
b) No legally binding deal, or treaty; something everyone was disappointed at not reaching. China and India have problems in accepting any deal that limits their growth. There is also dispute about how the world can verify what each nation state is achieving in reduced emissions.
c) Decisions over Targets for mitigating or reducing the rise in C02 levels – 20% or 30% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 – on 1990 /2005 levels, could not be agreed by all nations so a treaty was not agreed.
d) The NGOs and least or less developed countries said it was a “failure, with no deal agreed.”
Although the conference venue looked more like a Swedish Ikea store on TV, with open plan gourmet cafes, plastic chairs and bright colours, rather than a place were serious deals must be done, I think it had the look of somewhere influenced by creative people, which should have produced positive results. However, if I were a resident of the Danish capital, I would be fairly worried now that my city will be dubbed the place that failed the world!
Even more worrying is whether Mexico City will now become Copenhagen’s failed twin in December 2010?
Can we stand yet another year of indecisive action by the world, while poor countries most affected by climates suffer and while animals and plants, humans and communities die, because nations are reluctant to make the change before the climate makes it for everyone?
It seems to me that our ‘relationship’ with the Earth is seriously in danger now of breaking down. Political processes and world leaders have been found wanting on what are the most important decisions which affect mankind and all life.
Many people seem to distrust the science and will argue against taking action without any real evidential knowledge. We are not married or sufficiently wedded to the principles of “for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part we will love, cherish and protect our environment and home planet and do whatever it takes to live in harmony with nature.” Maybe making these vows, and signing a pledge or ‘Earth Marriage’ certificate of commitment for the rest of their lives, is something people might like to do together and symbolically perform in their communities?
Oh, and for anyone who still thinks people can live in cities and avoid the excesses of climate change without ever needing to change their lifestyle – then think carefully about why we need a stable natural environment to support our food and water supplies, provide foundations for economies, or simply to live happily and not in fear of frequent climate disasters causing damage and destruction to the places we live in.
Divorce from the environment – our environment – is not an option since we cannot live on Earth and survive without functioning ecosystems and planet based climate control.
Paul Lund
23.12.09
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Avalon Marshes wildlife on-air
Birdlife on the Avalon Marshes, west of Glastonbury, is diverse at this time of year as winter avian visitors come from Europe and as far away as Russia to mix with British residents, and since the trees are bare more of our own woodland species can be seen foraging and gathering among the branches.
Notably, “flocks of finches and tits can be seen moving through the tree line, whilst among the unusual winter migrants coming from Europe we can see Redwings, Fieldfares and Brambling,” says Simon Clarke, Natural England’s manager for Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve.
The Brambling, Simon tells us, “Can also sometimes be seen at garden bird tables and traditionally this bird is a harbinger of cold weather to come,” some of which we may be feeling this week.
Wildfowl such as Wigeon and Teal can be seen on the open water of the Avalon Marshes at this time of year and across the Somerset Levels. The areas of reed bed with open water habitats were created after the end of peat extraction, and have now been turned into protected wildlife areas.
Most spectacular are the murmurations or gatherings of millions of Starlings during the winter months which attract large numbers of human visitors to watch the black masses of birds which twist and turn in flight at dusk before dropping down into the reed beds for the night. “They, along with many of the ducks at this time of year, are attracting the attention of birds of prey such as Marsh Harrier, Sparrow Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Kestrel, and Buzzard who are finding ‘ready meals’ in plentiful supply,” Simon tells us.
“One other highlight to mention is that late December into early January is the peak of the fox mating season, and if you live in a rural area or an area of town with lots of waste ground you will be able to hear the calls of male dog foxes or the female vixens for most of the night,” Simon adds.
Simon Clarke’s infectious enthusiasm for the wildlife of the Marshes and his talent for verbally communicating to audiences have been discovered by Glastonbury FM, community radio for Glastonbury, Street and Wells.
The radio station have started broadcasting an hour long show each month called Green Watch, an environment and eco programme – which I am pleased to be presenting – and Simon has agreed to become a regular contributor of news and reports from the local nature reserves.
The pilot show which includes Simon talking about the starlings at Shapwick Heath NNR, has now been repeated more than once on GFM, prompting people to say how great it is to hear about the local wildlife on the air waves and that Simon is a lively contrast to Chris Packham or Simon King at the BBC.
Having a dedicated programme to showcase this areas’ wild nature and ‘all things eco and sustainable’ is probably unique among the community radio stations and local BBC. As the show builds and becomes more popular its content could be shared with other radio stations as there is so much interest across the county in our spectacular wildlife sights and wonderful range of wild places to visit.
For more details of when Green Watch is broadcast on Glastonbury 107.1FM the station’s telephone number is 01458 835 299 or go to www.glastonburyfm.co.uk
Notably, “flocks of finches and tits can be seen moving through the tree line, whilst among the unusual winter migrants coming from Europe we can see Redwings, Fieldfares and Brambling,” says Simon Clarke, Natural England’s manager for Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve.
The Brambling, Simon tells us, “Can also sometimes be seen at garden bird tables and traditionally this bird is a harbinger of cold weather to come,” some of which we may be feeling this week.
Wildfowl such as Wigeon and Teal can be seen on the open water of the Avalon Marshes at this time of year and across the Somerset Levels. The areas of reed bed with open water habitats were created after the end of peat extraction, and have now been turned into protected wildlife areas.
Most spectacular are the murmurations or gatherings of millions of Starlings during the winter months which attract large numbers of human visitors to watch the black masses of birds which twist and turn in flight at dusk before dropping down into the reed beds for the night. “They, along with many of the ducks at this time of year, are attracting the attention of birds of prey such as Marsh Harrier, Sparrow Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Kestrel, and Buzzard who are finding ‘ready meals’ in plentiful supply,” Simon tells us.
“One other highlight to mention is that late December into early January is the peak of the fox mating season, and if you live in a rural area or an area of town with lots of waste ground you will be able to hear the calls of male dog foxes or the female vixens for most of the night,” Simon adds.
Simon Clarke’s infectious enthusiasm for the wildlife of the Marshes and his talent for verbally communicating to audiences have been discovered by Glastonbury FM, community radio for Glastonbury, Street and Wells.
The radio station have started broadcasting an hour long show each month called Green Watch, an environment and eco programme – which I am pleased to be presenting – and Simon has agreed to become a regular contributor of news and reports from the local nature reserves.
The pilot show which includes Simon talking about the starlings at Shapwick Heath NNR, has now been repeated more than once on GFM, prompting people to say how great it is to hear about the local wildlife on the air waves and that Simon is a lively contrast to Chris Packham or Simon King at the BBC.
Having a dedicated programme to showcase this areas’ wild nature and ‘all things eco and sustainable’ is probably unique among the community radio stations and local BBC. As the show builds and becomes more popular its content could be shared with other radio stations as there is so much interest across the county in our spectacular wildlife sights and wonderful range of wild places to visit.
For more details of when Green Watch is broadcast on Glastonbury 107.1FM the station’s telephone number is 01458 835 299 or go to www.glastonburyfm.co.uk
Friday, December 4, 2009
Copenhagen or bust!
Anthropogenic climate change, or the disruption being caused through human activities releasing the three most potent greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide) is still, according to surveys, not accepted by some non-scientific people. It seems the more evidence that exists then the more some people will deny a proven event had or is happening. Coping with something that threatens to overwhelm maybe one explanation, or belief in conspiracies to fool ordinary people is another.
Local newspapers have recently carried letters from readers clearly frightened by the prospect of what climate change is predicted to bestow on our living world. They describe how difficult it is for them to believe man is responsible. I have sympathy with them and anyone who simply cannot come to terms with the fact we have a serious problem, one which has a magnitude greater than anything faced by mankind in the past.
It is understandable to feel comfort or belief in a few reports which attempt to dismiss human activity being the main driver or cause for making the planet’s temperature rise rapidly. The last 50 years have shown the greatest rise in greenhouse gases and
Charles Darwin had the same problem when he saw the evidence for animal and man’s evolution. Some people today still think humans are not part of the animal kingdom and haven’t evolved from a branch of primates. They are not conspiracy theorists, but believe exactly what the Bible says. Comprehension and believability are stretched in many ways in our daily lives, although we are wiser than we have ever been to what might be fiction rather than scientific fact.
Some people believe the government stands to benefit by ‘inventing climate change disasters’ in order to raise money through green taxes. I can think of better ways they could achieve the same without inventing such an elaborate ploy. Without water pouring into our homes, crops dying of drought, or hurricane winds becoming a frequent occurrence, there will be some who say the news and ‘global warmers’ are scaremongering or that they read the planet is going through a cycle of natural change that will all get better in years to come.
One correspondent wrote that where ‘global warming’ was once used ‘they’ now call it ‘climate change’ to scare us more! In case you haven’t understood how excess green house gasses give rise to global warming which in turn leads to climate change – which is not the same as the weekly change in weather patterns forecast by the Met Office – then it is your knowledge of the science rather than those science writers that’s at fault.
Like everyone else, I would rejoice and sleep easy if we could solve the problem or find a solution that would let the human race get back to normal and stop mitigating or having to adapt to an ever more unstable environment. Of course that doesn’t let us off the hook of the other disasters we will face if world population cannot be controlled, food shortages overcome, or loss of habitats and pollution stopped that threaten almost every wild animal species, let alone the search for alternative forms of reliable clean energy to replace the dwindling supplies of fossil fuels, with their rise in price to levels that will be out of reach of ordinary working citizens.
The summit of world leaders in Copenhagen has already been talked about as doomed before the politicians have even sat down together. Attempts to negotiate the deals and agreements to cut carbon dioxide emissions in advance have stalled and the prospects look bleak unless some breakthrough is found. Drama is also part of the picture when the stakes are high, so whether it will be singing in the streets – “wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen” – or “Copenhagen, we are bust” only time will tell.
We are also told this is a last chance opportunity to broker the kind of deals that will give us the best chance of avoiding disastrous climate change chaos or going past the Tipping Point into non-retrievable climate stability. Maybe some of those world leaders don’t believe the science or they are prepared to chance it rather than lose their country’s industrial wealth and income. Only the intelligent ones will listen to the mass of scientific evidence or see how not agreeing to the cuts will be political suicide, even genocide, if millions of the poorest people around the world, in the most vulnerable situations, lose their lives through anthropogenic climatic change.
Whilst financial institutions and politicians have been found not to be the most trustworthy in society, I cannot think of anything that the scientific community, world-wide, have tried to make us believe and has been found to be a deception. On the contrary, science takes the sceptical approach and needs irrefutable evidence before eminent scientists place their faith in something. For now I would rather believe the scientific community and go all out to curb our carbon emissions rather than wait for ‘unprecedented’ climate disruption and risk passing the tipping point of C02 concentrations that could be unstoppable.
What can any individual do about all this? What can the world’s scientists and the vast number of world-wide non-governmental organisations, charities, agencies, businesses and industries who understand what is happening do about this? What will prime ministers and presidents, governments and the United Nations do to make the Copenhagen climate summit resolve to do everything that’s humanly possible to avert this danger?
The answer will come soon enough.
The UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen takes place from 7-18 December 2009
Paul Lund
Local newspapers have recently carried letters from readers clearly frightened by the prospect of what climate change is predicted to bestow on our living world. They describe how difficult it is for them to believe man is responsible. I have sympathy with them and anyone who simply cannot come to terms with the fact we have a serious problem, one which has a magnitude greater than anything faced by mankind in the past.
It is understandable to feel comfort or belief in a few reports which attempt to dismiss human activity being the main driver or cause for making the planet’s temperature rise rapidly. The last 50 years have shown the greatest rise in greenhouse gases and
Charles Darwin had the same problem when he saw the evidence for animal and man’s evolution. Some people today still think humans are not part of the animal kingdom and haven’t evolved from a branch of primates. They are not conspiracy theorists, but believe exactly what the Bible says. Comprehension and believability are stretched in many ways in our daily lives, although we are wiser than we have ever been to what might be fiction rather than scientific fact.
Some people believe the government stands to benefit by ‘inventing climate change disasters’ in order to raise money through green taxes. I can think of better ways they could achieve the same without inventing such an elaborate ploy. Without water pouring into our homes, crops dying of drought, or hurricane winds becoming a frequent occurrence, there will be some who say the news and ‘global warmers’ are scaremongering or that they read the planet is going through a cycle of natural change that will all get better in years to come.
One correspondent wrote that where ‘global warming’ was once used ‘they’ now call it ‘climate change’ to scare us more! In case you haven’t understood how excess green house gasses give rise to global warming which in turn leads to climate change – which is not the same as the weekly change in weather patterns forecast by the Met Office – then it is your knowledge of the science rather than those science writers that’s at fault.
Like everyone else, I would rejoice and sleep easy if we could solve the problem or find a solution that would let the human race get back to normal and stop mitigating or having to adapt to an ever more unstable environment. Of course that doesn’t let us off the hook of the other disasters we will face if world population cannot be controlled, food shortages overcome, or loss of habitats and pollution stopped that threaten almost every wild animal species, let alone the search for alternative forms of reliable clean energy to replace the dwindling supplies of fossil fuels, with their rise in price to levels that will be out of reach of ordinary working citizens.
The summit of world leaders in Copenhagen has already been talked about as doomed before the politicians have even sat down together. Attempts to negotiate the deals and agreements to cut carbon dioxide emissions in advance have stalled and the prospects look bleak unless some breakthrough is found. Drama is also part of the picture when the stakes are high, so whether it will be singing in the streets – “wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen” – or “Copenhagen, we are bust” only time will tell.
We are also told this is a last chance opportunity to broker the kind of deals that will give us the best chance of avoiding disastrous climate change chaos or going past the Tipping Point into non-retrievable climate stability. Maybe some of those world leaders don’t believe the science or they are prepared to chance it rather than lose their country’s industrial wealth and income. Only the intelligent ones will listen to the mass of scientific evidence or see how not agreeing to the cuts will be political suicide, even genocide, if millions of the poorest people around the world, in the most vulnerable situations, lose their lives through anthropogenic climatic change.
Whilst financial institutions and politicians have been found not to be the most trustworthy in society, I cannot think of anything that the scientific community, world-wide, have tried to make us believe and has been found to be a deception. On the contrary, science takes the sceptical approach and needs irrefutable evidence before eminent scientists place their faith in something. For now I would rather believe the scientific community and go all out to curb our carbon emissions rather than wait for ‘unprecedented’ climate disruption and risk passing the tipping point of C02 concentrations that could be unstoppable.
What can any individual do about all this? What can the world’s scientists and the vast number of world-wide non-governmental organisations, charities, agencies, businesses and industries who understand what is happening do about this? What will prime ministers and presidents, governments and the United Nations do to make the Copenhagen climate summit resolve to do everything that’s humanly possible to avert this danger?
The answer will come soon enough.
The UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen takes place from 7-18 December 2009
Paul Lund
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Go green, go quick
The new e-bikes are transport solutions to carbon reduction with added fun!
Have you tried cycling uphill with only the lightest of effort to turn the bicycle’s pedals, and found yourself effortlessly passing all other cyclists strenuously exerting their legs to move forward? If you have then you were probably riding an electric power assisted bicycle, or simply being towed behind a four wheeler!
Improvements in the design and efficiency of electric bikes, often called e-bikes, have come a long way. They are worth a close look if you haven’t experienced them before. If you have then you probably either own or use one already or hope to have one in the future.
Today’s latest models are refined and visually very appealing, so much so they are positively desirable machines to own. You can travel up to 30 miles at a top motor driven speed of 15.5mph (18.5mph off road) on the popular 250 watt, 37 volt, with the 8 amp hour advanced lithium polymer manganese battery, or a range of up to 56 miles using the 14 amp hour battery.
Jim Duncan runs Reaction Electric (RE), a Somerset based firm dedicated to supplying quality built electric personal transport, especially electric cycles and motor scooters. He told me their mission is simple: “We supply a range of vehicle options for anybody who would like to travel emissions free.”
Reaction Electric focus their dealership on the latest Wisper, Urban Mover, Ultra Motor and other best brands of electric bicycles. They also supply the Vectrix VX1 motorcycle, which RE believe are the most advanced electric motorcycles on the market. This is a very sleek and stylish motorbike that looks fast and appears no different to any other bike in its class, the only difference being it is totally silent and vibration free, whether travelling from one to 62 mph.
Jim invited me to try out the Wisper 905Eco e-bicycle. This is the basic model, in a jet black metallic anodised mountain bike frame, and the first of four in the 905 range. There is also the 806fe folding version that will fit into a car boot or for easy stowage on the train.
The 905 Eco looks and works like a normal bicycle, but with the added elongated box (the battery) fitted behind the saddle and a few handlebar switches you won’t find on a normal pedal bike. I tried very hard to locate the motor and came to the conclusion it must be inside the tubular frame between both pedals. Let me worn you now, they are addictive and once you’ve tried one you won’t be able to walk away and stop thinking about how great it would be to ride one to work or for pleasure.
As its name suggests, a Wisper makes hardly any noise when engaging the motor with an automated switch on the handle bar. The best part, I think, is that you can pedal like a normal bike, using its six speed Shimano gears, but then simply switch on and let the motor take the strain or add pedal power to go a little faster. The weight of the whole bike, without the removable battery, is not far off that of my own mountain bike, though the battery (2.3 to 3.8Kg), when fitted, makes a total bike weight of 48lbs or 21.6kg.
The battery takes from two to six hours to charge, and costs about six pence, on regular tariff. Using a solar photo-voltaic system to charge the battery would mean you are completely eco-friendly, zero carbon, and could take advantage of free sunshine or daylight power for life.
Battery charging is very simple at home or in the work place, via an ordinary three pin socket and the small transformer, which comes with each bike. The battery can either be charged in situ or easily removed from the bike for charging in your living room or elsewhere. A partial recharge of a battery might also be done whilst out shopping or at a cafe. Some premises will be happy to oblige, much like allowing a customer’s laptop to be plugged in whilst having a coffee or lunch.
The urban street based Elektrobay charging posts for EVs, which are starting to appear in towns and cities all over the UK, are designed to charge the electric motorcycles and four wheel EVs, but Jim tells me because the bicycle battery charge needs its transformer, in between the battery and the power source, they don’t advise unsupervised use of the street side charging in this instance.
As with all bicycles, it is recommended the user wears a protective cycle helmet and reflective, hi-vis clothing for added safety. Beyond that there is nothing else required – other than optional accident and theft insurance. They come complete with LED front and tail lights, bell, pannier racks, with bags optional.
The drawback I see in all this is the purchase cost of the bicycle. They can range from £500 to over £1000 depending on the model and make, so this makes them more of a luxury buy for adults. If they are considered as a replacement form of transport, however, then the investment set against the low running cost (the motor is maintenance free) plus the advantages over the cost and hassle of using the car in congested towns and cities, with limited parking and possible penalty costs, makes them a realistic option and solution to most urban travel problems. Going on the open country road, bridle or bike paths with an electric bike and you will experience the effortless pleasure of longer distance travel than pedalling alone would achieve.
“China is now setting an amazing example: having produced over 21 million electric vehicles – many of which are electric scooters – their factory gates are fast becoming vehicle noiseless as thousands of their workers come and go.” Jim Duncan
Reaction Electric is taking advantage of the growing interest and increasing availability of electric vehicle travel. “We believe there’s going to be a growth, across the South West, in the demand for electric vehicles across the whole range, with electric bicycles, scooters, mopeds, motorcycles coming first – it’s very much the technology of the future and its here now,” Jim says. He also told me about his research into the use of electric vehicles – EVs for short – in Germany and Canada, and that China has calculated they have over 21 million EVs owned by their factory workers.
It maybe some time yet before the electric car and van market takes off and replaces the internal combustion engine vehicles, Jim says, but they are already being used for some vehicle fleets and business users in the UK. As a way to reduce carbon emissions they score on two points – reducing ‘fossil car’ use and opportunity for currently using electric power from renewable sources or future carbon capture technologies at the power stations. Efficient use of electricity elsewhere would also allow more EV use without having to add more capacity to the grid.
“If we could cut electricity use for outdoor lighting (using LED) globally by one third, we would free up enough electrons to charge about 25 million electric vehicles – all without adding any new power plants to the grid.” The Climate Group organisation.
Reaction Electric have decided to trial a hire service for people wanting a short term EV use, especially prior to purchase or simply to extend a holiday experience in the South West.
In the run up to the Copenhagen Climate Summit this December, we will all become aware of the seriousness of our greenhouse gas emissions are having on global warming, and the fact that time is running out to take action around the world to stop the worst excesses of climate change.
Deciding to cut back on our personal carbon pollution can now go a step further with the use of EVs, and with the added advantage of lower running costs and an added enjoyment factor.
As a footnote to this article... Jim Duncan spoke to the Glastonbury Town Council last month (November) and the Council has agreed to form a working party to look in more detail at how they might install one or two trial Elektrobay recharging posts at St Dunstan’s Car Park. If this is done then Glastonbury can link itself into a growing network of places where the new wave of electric cars and vans can travel through or operate from. The electric re-charging posts become “filling stations” between home or work, providing a quick partial “top-up” or maybe in some cases, with the new battery technology, virtually a full charge within the time allocated.
A gathering of EVs (all shapes and sizes!) is being planned for Glastonbury on Saturday 10th April 2010. Anyone who owns any type of EV is welcome to contact Jim Duncan and express their interest in being part of this and even a parade around the town.
Paul Lund
References used
www.theclimategroup.org
www.reactionelectric.co.uk Telephone 01823 279622
www.electricbikesales.co.uk
Have you tried cycling uphill with only the lightest of effort to turn the bicycle’s pedals, and found yourself effortlessly passing all other cyclists strenuously exerting their legs to move forward? If you have then you were probably riding an electric power assisted bicycle, or simply being towed behind a four wheeler!
Improvements in the design and efficiency of electric bikes, often called e-bikes, have come a long way. They are worth a close look if you haven’t experienced them before. If you have then you probably either own or use one already or hope to have one in the future.
Today’s latest models are refined and visually very appealing, so much so they are positively desirable machines to own. You can travel up to 30 miles at a top motor driven speed of 15.5mph (18.5mph off road) on the popular 250 watt, 37 volt, with the 8 amp hour advanced lithium polymer manganese battery, or a range of up to 56 miles using the 14 amp hour battery.
Jim Duncan runs Reaction Electric (RE), a Somerset based firm dedicated to supplying quality built electric personal transport, especially electric cycles and motor scooters. He told me their mission is simple: “We supply a range of vehicle options for anybody who would like to travel emissions free.”
Reaction Electric focus their dealership on the latest Wisper, Urban Mover, Ultra Motor and other best brands of electric bicycles. They also supply the Vectrix VX1 motorcycle, which RE believe are the most advanced electric motorcycles on the market. This is a very sleek and stylish motorbike that looks fast and appears no different to any other bike in its class, the only difference being it is totally silent and vibration free, whether travelling from one to 62 mph.
Jim invited me to try out the Wisper 905Eco e-bicycle. This is the basic model, in a jet black metallic anodised mountain bike frame, and the first of four in the 905 range. There is also the 806fe folding version that will fit into a car boot or for easy stowage on the train.
The 905 Eco looks and works like a normal bicycle, but with the added elongated box (the battery) fitted behind the saddle and a few handlebar switches you won’t find on a normal pedal bike. I tried very hard to locate the motor and came to the conclusion it must be inside the tubular frame between both pedals. Let me worn you now, they are addictive and once you’ve tried one you won’t be able to walk away and stop thinking about how great it would be to ride one to work or for pleasure.
As its name suggests, a Wisper makes hardly any noise when engaging the motor with an automated switch on the handle bar. The best part, I think, is that you can pedal like a normal bike, using its six speed Shimano gears, but then simply switch on and let the motor take the strain or add pedal power to go a little faster. The weight of the whole bike, without the removable battery, is not far off that of my own mountain bike, though the battery (2.3 to 3.8Kg), when fitted, makes a total bike weight of 48lbs or 21.6kg.
The battery takes from two to six hours to charge, and costs about six pence, on regular tariff. Using a solar photo-voltaic system to charge the battery would mean you are completely eco-friendly, zero carbon, and could take advantage of free sunshine or daylight power for life.
Battery charging is very simple at home or in the work place, via an ordinary three pin socket and the small transformer, which comes with each bike. The battery can either be charged in situ or easily removed from the bike for charging in your living room or elsewhere. A partial recharge of a battery might also be done whilst out shopping or at a cafe. Some premises will be happy to oblige, much like allowing a customer’s laptop to be plugged in whilst having a coffee or lunch.
The urban street based Elektrobay charging posts for EVs, which are starting to appear in towns and cities all over the UK, are designed to charge the electric motorcycles and four wheel EVs, but Jim tells me because the bicycle battery charge needs its transformer, in between the battery and the power source, they don’t advise unsupervised use of the street side charging in this instance.
As with all bicycles, it is recommended the user wears a protective cycle helmet and reflective, hi-vis clothing for added safety. Beyond that there is nothing else required – other than optional accident and theft insurance. They come complete with LED front and tail lights, bell, pannier racks, with bags optional.
The drawback I see in all this is the purchase cost of the bicycle. They can range from £500 to over £1000 depending on the model and make, so this makes them more of a luxury buy for adults. If they are considered as a replacement form of transport, however, then the investment set against the low running cost (the motor is maintenance free) plus the advantages over the cost and hassle of using the car in congested towns and cities, with limited parking and possible penalty costs, makes them a realistic option and solution to most urban travel problems. Going on the open country road, bridle or bike paths with an electric bike and you will experience the effortless pleasure of longer distance travel than pedalling alone would achieve.
“China is now setting an amazing example: having produced over 21 million electric vehicles – many of which are electric scooters – their factory gates are fast becoming vehicle noiseless as thousands of their workers come and go.” Jim Duncan
Reaction Electric is taking advantage of the growing interest and increasing availability of electric vehicle travel. “We believe there’s going to be a growth, across the South West, in the demand for electric vehicles across the whole range, with electric bicycles, scooters, mopeds, motorcycles coming first – it’s very much the technology of the future and its here now,” Jim says. He also told me about his research into the use of electric vehicles – EVs for short – in Germany and Canada, and that China has calculated they have over 21 million EVs owned by their factory workers.
It maybe some time yet before the electric car and van market takes off and replaces the internal combustion engine vehicles, Jim says, but they are already being used for some vehicle fleets and business users in the UK. As a way to reduce carbon emissions they score on two points – reducing ‘fossil car’ use and opportunity for currently using electric power from renewable sources or future carbon capture technologies at the power stations. Efficient use of electricity elsewhere would also allow more EV use without having to add more capacity to the grid.
“If we could cut electricity use for outdoor lighting (using LED) globally by one third, we would free up enough electrons to charge about 25 million electric vehicles – all without adding any new power plants to the grid.” The Climate Group organisation.
Reaction Electric have decided to trial a hire service for people wanting a short term EV use, especially prior to purchase or simply to extend a holiday experience in the South West.
In the run up to the Copenhagen Climate Summit this December, we will all become aware of the seriousness of our greenhouse gas emissions are having on global warming, and the fact that time is running out to take action around the world to stop the worst excesses of climate change.
Deciding to cut back on our personal carbon pollution can now go a step further with the use of EVs, and with the added advantage of lower running costs and an added enjoyment factor.
As a footnote to this article... Jim Duncan spoke to the Glastonbury Town Council last month (November) and the Council has agreed to form a working party to look in more detail at how they might install one or two trial Elektrobay recharging posts at St Dunstan’s Car Park. If this is done then Glastonbury can link itself into a growing network of places where the new wave of electric cars and vans can travel through or operate from. The electric re-charging posts become “filling stations” between home or work, providing a quick partial “top-up” or maybe in some cases, with the new battery technology, virtually a full charge within the time allocated.
A gathering of EVs (all shapes and sizes!) is being planned for Glastonbury on Saturday 10th April 2010. Anyone who owns any type of EV is welcome to contact Jim Duncan and express their interest in being part of this and even a parade around the town.
Paul Lund
References used
www.theclimategroup.org
www.reactionelectric.co.uk Telephone 01823 279622
www.electricbikesales.co.uk
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