Britons swapping trains for E-bikes during the current heatwave could be coming into contact with high levels of biological contamination (germs). New data released by Initial Washroom Hygiene found average contamination readings on rented E-bike handlebars were more than 200% above the threshold hygiene experts consider to be a high level of biological contamination. 
As warm temperatures encourage more of us to travel by E-bike and spend time outdoors with friends and family, Initial Washroom Hygiene is reminding people that good hand hygiene remains one of the simplest ways to help reduce the spread of germs. 
Swab tests** were carried out by Initial Washroom Hygiene in central London locations using ATP* swabs and an ATP bioluminescence reader to measure biological activity not visible to the human eye. These revealed an average level of 1,563 units from E-bike handlebars, more than triple the level that experts consider a high***.  Overall, 73% of readings were over 500 units, the threshold for ‘high biological contamination’, whilst the highest level recorded was 7,123 units.  
ATP testing is widely used in hospitals and the food industry to assess how clean a surface is. It measures biological residue left behind by everyday contact, which could include viral and bacterial particles from skin cells, sweat, saliva, food residue and, in some cases, traces of faecal matter. While it doesn’t identify the specific bacteria or viruses present, it provides a reliable indication of how much biological contamination accumulated on a surface. 
Jamie Woodhall, UK Technical & Innovations Manager at Initial Washroom Hygiene, comments: “As more people use shared transport and spend time eating outdoors during the summer, it’s worth remembering that germs are invisible and high levels of biological contamination can be found on everyday touchpoints that many of us rarely think about. 
“While ATP testing doesn’t identify specific bacteria or viruses, it does highlight where biological contamination is present. Good hand hygiene remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to help reduce the spread of germs, particularly before eating or sharing food.
“With a separate study from the British Toilet Association (BTA) showing that the number of public toilets has reduced by a staggering 40% since 2000, many people have fewer opportunities to wash their hands while out and about. Carrying hand sanitiser and following a few simple hygiene precautions can help people enjoy summer activities with greater peace of mind. ”
Initial Washroom Hygiene recommends: 
Be mindful of high-touch hotspots, including E-bike handlebars. Sanitise these before beginning your journey, and your hands straight after.
Always pack travel-sized hygiene essentials, such as sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol, tissues and anti-bacterial wipes.
Wipe down any packages for shared food at picnics before eating, as well as encouraging others to sanitise their hands and use cutlery where possible. 
Wipe down your phone, headphones, water bottles, sunglasses and other frequently handled items regularly. They can accumulate dirt and bacteria quickly during the summer. 
Practice good hand hygiene after outdoor activities, including gardening, sports, barbecues or handling bins.