A BIKE hiring scheme in Worcester is getting more residents to travel on two wheels rather than four.
Sustainable transport provider Beryl Bikes has released new survey data that shows the impact their shared bikes and e-bikes have had on wider transport habits across the city.
According to the survey, the bikes have helped to re-engage lapsed cyclists and break down the barriers to active travel, with 44 per cent of riders having returned to cycling after a break.
This positive impact is being felt long term, with half of all Worcester riders either cycling more often or much more often since using the scheme.
Shared transport is also getting people in Worcester to swap four wheels for two, with 45 per cent of riders using private cars less often or stopping completely since using the vehicles.
Although the bikes are used for a variety of reasons, commuting is the most popular journey type in Worcester, with 27 per cent of riders citing it as their primary purpose.
Beryl CEO and co-founder, Phil Ellis, said: “It’s great that the report can demonstrate an encouraging long-term shift towards more sustainable transport habits, as we know the positive impact this can have on congestion levels, air quality and public health.
“Not only are we encouraging people out of high emission private vehicles, we are also getting lapsed cyclists back in the saddle and getting people riding more often, which is all great news.”
Coun Elaine Willmore, vice-chair of Worcester City Council’s health and wellbeing committee, added: “These figures are really encouraging and show the positive impact Beryl bikes are having in Worcester.
“The bikes and e-bikes are a great way of easily travelling around Worcester without having the expense of owning and maintaining your own bike.”
The data comes from Beryl’s Rider Report 2024, an annual survey undertaken across 16 scheme areas used to identify behaviours, motivations, impacts and barriers to using shared transport schemes. Of those respondents, 251 were from Worcester.
Launched in June 2024, the city’s Beryl scheme is operated in partnership with Worcester City Council and comprises 175 e-bikes and 50 pedal bikes, available to hire from a network of 53 Beryl bays.
