End of an era as Westport postal bikes to be scrapped in favour of electric vans

A TRADITION that has lasted over a hundred years has come to an end in Westport after the town’s four cycling postmen had their bicycles decommissioned.

Due to an amalgamation of four discontinued postal routes in the town, local postmen John Nixon, Padraig Marrey, Paul Farren and Stephen Duffy will now complete their rounds in electric vans instead of bicycles.

Padraic Marrey, himself a keen cyclist and three-time participant in the eight-day Rás Tailteann, described the move as ‘disheartening’.

Mr Marrey, who has cycled his postal rounds for 17 years, said some locals were questioning the move ‘given Westport’s commitment to sustainability and its pioneering status in smarter travel initiatives and Greenways’.

“As the semi-state body transforms itself into a slick, profit-making juggernaut machine, gone will be its obligations to social and green commitments,” he said.

“Electric vehicles are often marketed as a ‘green’ alternative, but there are questions about whether they genuinely contribute to a reduced carbon footprint compared to the tried-and-tested bicycles. The efficiency and zero-emission nature of bicycles have long been recognized, especially in a town that takes pride in its environmental responsibility.”

Citing the regular contact between postmen and homebound people during the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr Marrey complained that the social aspect of his job was being eroded.

An Post is currently phasing out cycling postal routes across the country due to the volume of parcels it is delivering.

The semi-state company is also scrapping diesel vans as part of its aim of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030. 

It currently operates one of the largest electric fleet of vehicles in the country, including 1,020 electric vehicles (EVs), 172 e-trikes and three 7.5 tonne electric trucks in our fleet.

At least 30pc of Ireland’s 3,900 postal delivery routes are covered by electrical vehicles.

“Bicycles have been an integral and iconic part of An Post’s identity for the last century, celebrated for their efficiency and minimal environmental impact. An Post is one of Ireland’s most reputable companies, especially during Covid times, where An Post’s employees’ social interaction skills with its customers gained the company valuable kudos,” Mr Marrey added. 

In a statement issued to The Mayo News, 15-Minute Westport said that cargo bikes and electric bikes would have been preferable to electric vans as replacements for standard post bikes.

“While we recognise that postal service needs have changed it would be disappointing to see an end to post being delivered by bike. As Westport was Ireland's first designated ECF Cycle Friendly Town it makes sense to trial electric and cargo bikes as an alternative and choosing electric vans as a last resort,” a spokeswoman for the group said.

“At 15 Minute Westport we advocate for reducing the number of vehicles on our roads and prioritisation of active travel modes. An Post have trialled cargo bikes  for postal delivery on both urban and rural routes and we would welcome trails to take place in Westport.”