Free offer for cyclists as new city bike hire scheme launched

The scheme, based on London's 'Boris Bikes' has launched in Wolverhampton this week, with dozens of three-geared grey bikes available for hire at 20 docking stations around the city.

And West Midlands Cycle Hire is offering everyone who signs up via the Beryl Cycle Hire smartphone app their first 30 minute bike ride for free.

It then costs £1 to unlock a bike and 5p per minute after that, meaning a 20-minute ride will cost £2, while an hour will cost £4.

The scheme, which has also launched in Sutton Coldfield, will also see new cycle routes created around the city.

It will roll out across the region in the coming months, with bikes set to hit the streets of Stourbridge, West Bromwich, Coventry, Birmingham and Solihull by the end of July.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: “The scheme is all part of our wider plans to promote and improve cycling across the region, as we continue to invest millions in our 500-mile Starley Network of safe cycle routes, as well as help fund a range of community-led projects through the Better Streets Fund.

“Not only is cycling brilliant for people’s fitness and physical health, but it also helps reduce the number of cars on the road, helping us to tackle congestion, air pollution, and the climate emergency we are facing as a region.

“As we emerge from lockdown I’m sure our cycle hire scheme will prove to be incredibly popular for cyclists both young and old, and I would urge people of all abilities to give the bikes a go.”

In total 1,500 bikes will be available for hire from 170 docking stations across the region, including 150 powered e-bikes. Locations in Wolverhampton include Penn Road, Stafford Street, Bilston Road and Tettenhall Road.

Councillor Ian Brookfield, the leader of Wolverhampton Council, said a £525,000 cycle hub was due to open next to the railway station later this year, while new cycle routes were planned to support the scheme.

They include a pathway along the central reservation of Ring Road St Peters and the creation of a "continuous cycle route" along the A4124 Wednesfield Road, which will link the city centre and New Cross Hospital.

Mr Brookfield added: "We hope the announcement that Wolverhampton has been chosen as the start and finish of the cycling time trial for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will encourage people to enjoy this healthy, fun and environmentally-friendly method of transport."

The cycle hire scheme has been launched by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and is run by Serco, which operates London’s Santander Cycle Hire scheme.

For more information visit: https://www.wmcyclehire.co.uk/