Worcester launches bike and e-bike share scheme with Beryl

“We hope that, from the launch today, the scheme will encourage as many people as possible to adopt more sustainable long-term transport habits.”

Worcester City Council’s corporate director for finance and resource, Shane Flynn said: “We are delighted to be supporting this scheme which is being funded through the Government’s Town Investment Plan.

“The Beryl bike and e-bike share scheme will provide a convenient and environmentally friendly way of travelling around the city, fulfilling the council’s commitment to active travel whilst helping to reduce traffic and improve air quality.”

The Beryl Rider Report 2023, an annual survey of over 3,000 riders and non-riders undertaken across multiple scheme areas last September, showed the positive impact of providing multiple modes of sustainable transport.

Two-thirds (64 per cent) of riders that used both Beryl bikes and e-bikes said they had been riding more often or much more often since signing up. Of those that just used bikes, half (49 per cent) said they had been riding more often or much more often since signing up.

“We hope that, from the launch today, the scheme will encourage as many people as possible to adopt more sustainable long-term transport habits”

The report also found that convenience was the most important factor to respondents when deciding to sign up, with 97 per cent, citing it as either important or very important.

A Beryl bike or e-bike can be hired through the Beryl app, available for free download on the App Store for iOS, and the Google Play Store for Android users.

A launch event was held in Cathedral Square, with representatives from Beryl and the council on hand to answer questions, offer help and advice and provide test rides, giveaways and discount codes to people.

Beryl bike, e-bike, cargo bike and e-scooter schemes in locations around the UK, including Norwich, Watford, Hereford, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, the Isle of Wight, Hackney, Greater Manchester Cornwall, Westminster, Brighton, West Midlands and, most recently, Leeds.