Micromobility provider Beryl will provide Hereford’s bike share scheme for another five years, following a successful tendering process.
Working with Herefordshire Council, Beryl will also be doubling the number of e-bikes available to users, adding another 30 from September, with more set to come during 2022.
Initially launched in July 2019, the scheme had 75 bikes, rising to 200 bikes with an additional 30 e-bikes added in March 2021. The e-bikes can be differentiated from the Beryl Bikes through a lightning bolt symbol visible on the bike and bay icons in-app. The remaining range of the Beryl e-Bike is also displayed in-app ahead of hiring the bike so riders can confirm the battery will last throughout their journey.
Beryl’s e-Bikes have a centre mount pedal assist, ensuring a lower centre of gravity in the bike, providing a safer and more enjoyable riding experience. Electric power is supplied through pedal assist, meaning the rider can adjust the bike’s speed through the power in their pedalling.
The electric assist of the Beryl e-Bike is capped at a max speed of 15.5mph (24.9kmph) in accordance with UK law.
Additionally, Beryl reported the bike hire scheme has proven to be very popular, with over 203,000 journeys being made, covering almost 495,000km. The scheme has also had an impact on road congestion, with feedback from users showing that 25.5% of the bike and e-bike journeys in Hereford have replaced road transport journeys – including driving a car/van, being a passenger in a car/van, and using a taxi or riding a motorbike or moped.
Cllr John Harrington, cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, Herefordshire Council, said: “It’s vital that we provide opportunities for as many people as possible to get out and about and enjoy the benefits of healthy, sustainable modes of transport such as cycling. The e-bikes are a joy to ride and encourage nervous or less fit riders to give cycling a go.
“Our fleet of Beryl Bikes are a real asset to the city and are proving hugely successful in helping to promote physical wellbeing and doing a little bit to protect our local environment.”
In line with its status as a B Corporation certified company – recognised for meeting exceptional standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency – Beryl will continue to deliver the scheme with local delivery partners.
This includes local cycling courier solutions company Pedicargo, who distribute the bikes, and community interest company Hereford Cycle Hub, who help to maintain them.
