The quest for new opportunities and a better life during the sixties led many people to migrate to the cities. The modern movement has put an end to a traditional lifestyle in which cities were for cars. Today these movements, born in the heart of old Europe, are reclaiming cities for their legitimate owners – the people.
Currently half the world’s population live in cities, and it is estimated that this will rise to 80 per cent by 2050. Sustainable transport, respectful of the environment and championed by bicycles, is already an unstoppable reality.
At a time when the concept of city life and the habits of those living in cities is undergoing major change, Stefan Tjellander presents us with a new project imported from his Swedish homeland: electric bicycles.
What made you decide to initiate this bicycle project?
I was already aware of the Off Course brand due to our commercial relationship through Holiday Golf, with their electric trolleys and buggies. Although they are relatively new in Spain, in Sweden the brand has been established since 2006, and their bicycles have been circulating on Swedish roads since 2011.
Their launch in Sweden has been a resounding success and we are proud to be representing the brand in Spain, knowing that the government plans to triple the number of bike lanes over the next few years. So we have opened our first store in San Pedro de Alcántara (Marbella), where the setting is perfect for cycling, and we hope people will visit us to try out and enjoy our electric bicycles.
What will clients find when they visit the store?
In our store there are bicycles available in various colours, accessories and helmets and, if necessary, people can have their bicycles repaired in our specialist workshop. Someone will always be available to help in a professional and friendly way.
Why would you encourage people to check out your bicycles?
In the city, the traffic, the bottlenecks… they can be extremely annoying and stressful and I believe that discovering the freedom of going to work on an electric bicycle, passing cars caught in a traffic jam, feeling the wind in your face, with no effort or sweat, heading to any kind of business meeting, is an interesting option, and I encourage everyone to try the experience – to ride, see and feel the city in a different way to when you are in a car.
So electric bicycles don’t involve exercise?
No, not at all – on the contrary. To give you an example, on the way home you can switch off the electric aid and enjoy some sporting activity to stay in shape.
An electric bicycle is not only the perfect solution for maintaining a healthy lifestyle but, by using it daily as a means of transport, we are looking after the environment and making a contribution to reducing pollution in our cities. Furthermore, you save on parking metres, fines, insurance, petrol and maintenance.