An improved cycle hire scheme will be provided in Bath next year with a wider range of hire points, the ability for people to take them out the city limits and a more convenient bike hire process.
The improvements, which will arrive in Spring 2014, follow the feedback from users of the demonstration scheme in the city run by the private sector since September 2011 and recommendations by the University of the West of England.
Councillor Caroline Roberts (Lib-Dem, Newbridge), Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “The new and improved Council scheme will boost cycling as a more viable option for people wanting to get around Bath and the surrounding area by bike.
“More hire points will be available at Bath Spa University, the RUH and further key locations in and around the city. People will also be able to hire using their Credit Card or mobile phone at the cycle stand they are using, as well as via the web where cards can be purchased in advanced.
“The cycles can also explore surrounding routes like the Two Tunnels Greenway and Kennet and Avon Canal Path since there will be no restrictions on where they can be ridden.”
Other aspects of the new scheme include:
- A new website will include details on where all the cycle stands are and how many bikes are currently available at that stand;
- Advance purchase cards for cycle hire will also be available from the Tourist Information Office when the refit is complete.
Using funding from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund, the Council has contracted Nextbike GmbH who are providing cycle hire at next year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The current stands will stop functioning at the end of November to allow the refit to begin.