8,000 journeys made in first three months of Bradford e-bike hire scheme
The Beryl Bike scheme was rolled out in the District in March
AN E-Bike hire scheme in Bradford has recorded 8,000 cycle journeys since it was launched almost three months ago.
The Beryl Bike scheme was rolled out in the District in March, and allows people to use a phone app to “unlock” bikes from docking stations located around Bradford city centre and the wider District.
New details have now been released about the scheme as Bradford prepares to celebrate Cycle Week – which starts on June 8.
The figures show the average journey length is just under 3km.
The scheme is run by Beryl – which operates similarly in Leeds and Manchester – and is sponsored by LNER.
Bradford Council has contributed around £800,000 in funding from the Clean Air Zone to help set up the scheme.
Early days of the scheme had been blighted by vandalism and people failing to return bikes to their docking stations.
Images of bikes left in bushes or laid out on pavements were common on social media in the days after the launch, but the situation has since improved.
A statement from Bradford Council last week said: “Since launch, the LNER Bradford Beryl E-Bike scheme has recorded over 8,000 journeys, covering a total distance of 23,692 km.
“The average journey length of 2.88 km highlights the scheme’s role in supporting short, everyday trips across key residential, recreational and city centre areas.”
The Beryl Bikes scheme was highlighted by the Council as one of the ways people can get on their bikes during Bike Week.
Led by Cycling UK, the national celebration highlights how cycling can help people lead happier, healthier lives.
Beryl is supporting Bike Week through its “Move as Yourself” campaign, where users can access a 15 per cent discount on 100-minute bundles during Bike Week.
An additional bay is now live at the University of Bradford (Richmond Building) providing more convenient access for students, staff and visitors.
Capital of Cycling delivering a programme of free cycling activities across the district, including maintenance sessions, confidence-building rides, wellbeing rides and learn-to-ride opportunities in locations such as Shipley, Keighley, Bowling and Bradford parks.
Residents can find out more and book sessions via: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/bradford-cycling-and-maintenance-activities-4835100.
West Yorkshire Combined Authority is offering funding to community organisations to support community-led walking, wheeling and cycling initiatives, helping to increase access to active travel opportunities across the region.
A Bradford Council Spokesperson said: “Whether it’s for better physical or mental health, saving money, reducing stress or just enjoying the outdoors, Bike Week is a chance to discover how cycling can make everyday life better.”