WORCESTER streets have welcomed a brand new bike and e-bike share scheme aimed at enhancing sustainable transport options, reducing traffic congestion, and improving air quality and public health.
The scheme, operated by UK-based shared sustainable transport provider Beryl in partnership with Worcester City Council, introduces 175 e-bikes and 50 pedal bikes, which will be available for hire from a network of 53 Beryl Bays across the city.
A special launch event held in Cathedral Square marked the beginning of the scheme.
Representatives from Beryl and Worcester City Council were present to answer questions, provide assistance and advice, and offer test rides, giveaways, and discount codes to attendees.
This project is part of a £4.5million investment in Active Travel under the Worcester Town Investment Plan, funded by the Government’s Towns Fund.
Phil Ellis, CEO and co-founder of Beryl, said: “We’re extremely delighted to be launching our bikes and e-bikes in Worcester, a city with a clear and exciting vision to promote sustainable travel.
“We have a proven track record of working in partnership with major cities and in consultation with communities and key stakeholders to deliver successful schemes that play a crucial role in integrated urban transport systems.
“Our bikes and e-bikes are not only good for the environment, they’re also fun, convenient, easy to use, and cost-effective, removing the need for vehicle ownership expenses such as fuel, tax, MOT, storage, and maintenance.
“We hope that, from the launch today, the scheme will encourage as many people as possible to adopt more sustainable long-term transport habits.”
Shane Flynn, Worcester City Council’s corporate director for finance and resource, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this scheme, which is being funded through the Government’s Town Investment Plan.”
Data showed that 64 per cent of riders that used the bikes said they have been riding more often since signing up to the scheme.
Since it launched in 2019, Beryl have generated over seven million rides, across more than twenty million kilometres, the equivalent of 507 journeys around the Earth.
The scheme have also generated nearly 2.7million hours of physical activity, which is proven to benefit both physical and mental health.
