West Midlands cycle hire scheme has been rolled out in Birmingham, with the installation of over 40 docking stations in and around the city centre.
Initially, some 300 bikes will be available at sites including bus, train and tram interchanges and popular destinations like Broad Street and Victoria Square. Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) said this number will rise to 83 docking stations and more than 700 bikes later this year.
This latest launch, in Edgbaston, follows similar introductions in Coventry, Solihull, Stourbridge, Sutton Coldfield, Walsall and Wolverhampton over the past two months.
According to figures released by TfWM, more than 14,000 people have given the bikes a go since March, clocking up more than 100,000km in the process.
Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street, said: “It is incredibly exciting to launch our cycle hire scheme in Birmingham, and I know riders across the city have been itching to get out and try our bikes.
“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 all facing.
“I hope by making bikes more accessible for people both young and old through our cycle hire scheme, more people will make the decision to go out on two wheels and reap the benefits.”
Investment in cycling facilities is a key part of the region’s plan to encourage more alternatives to the car for shorter journeys around busy towns and cities. TfWM is working to reduce congestion, improve air quality and helping the region achieve its #WM2041 net zero-carbon target.
When fully rolled-out later this year there will be 170 fixed docks and 1,500 bikes for hire across the region, of which 150 will be powered e-bikes. The pedal cycles have three gears to cope with hilly parts of the region and are fitted with laser safety lights.
The five-year contract with Serco, the operator of London’s Santander cycle hire scheme, offers the opportunity for more docks and bikes to be provided as demand increases.
