Hereford will see an additional 47 Beryl e-bikes added to its fleet this week, with more set to arrive in the coming weeks, bringing its total to 200 bikes and 104 e-bikes.
Riders can currently rent and return bikes to the various ‘Beryl Bays’, which are run by the micromobility operator and are located across the city.
According to Herefordshire Council, currently, 55,000 people are able to walk to a bay in just five minutes or less, representing the availability of the service to 90% of the area’s population.
John Harrington, councillor and cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, said: “I’m really pleased these extra e-bikes have finally arrived after market supply chain issues in the summer caused a delay.
“The e-bikes we have make a real difference to some user’s decisions and have given people the opportunity to use a bike to make longer journeys around the city.
“The e-bikes also make it that bit easier for any riders who may be slightly nervous or don’t feel fit enough to use a standard Beryl and the arrival of these extra e-bikes will give us all more chance of finding one in a bay!
“I welcome the addition to our city’s already popular scheme of e and standard bikes.
“The figures show that, since launch, our fleet of Beryls have been a real asset, with over quarter of a million individual journeys made, potentially saving over nine tonnes of CO2 emissions.
“It’s important that we continue to provide the means and opportunities for as many people as possible to enjoy the benefits of healthy, sustainable modes of transport such as cycling.”
Beryl first launched in Hereford in July 2019 with 75 bikes, eventually increasing to a 200-strong fleet with the addition of 30 e-bikes in March 2021.
Since launch, the scheme has reportedly generated 270,546 journeys.
What’s more, based on 4,125 survey responses, 31.5% of these journeys would have otherwise been made through use of a private vehicle.
Phil Ellis, CEO and co-founder of Beryl, said: “With its multiple modes, Hereford is a great example of how delivering a range of services can better contribute towards the aims of an integrated transport network.
“E-bikes are a really fun and versatile way to travel and their extra power can really open up areas, enabling riders to tackle hills and undertake longer journeys.
“They’re also great for commuting, helping to reduce physical exertion and allowing people to arrive at work clean and ready to go.”
