Published on Friday 20 September 2019
Beryl, BCP Council’s bike operator for Bournemouth and Poole, has revealed that the bikes have been collectively cycled over 80,000km, the equivalent of twice around the world in the first three month of the scheme.
Since the British urban cycling brand launched its innovative hybrid dockless scheme in June, the fleet of emerald Beryl bikes have also pedalled a staggering carbon offset, of 14,487 kg of CO2 according to DEFRA's carbon conversion factor.
Residents and visitors have made great use of the 1,000 bikes and 180 Beryl parking bays that have been delivered gradually throughout the summer. The scheme’s popularity has continued to grow and in the first month alone riders clocked up 7,000km across the south coast. During the popular Bournemouth Air Festival, locals and visitors also helped reduce congestion by making over 2,500 trips using Beryl Bikes.
In response to BCP Council’s declaration of a climate emergency, those yet to take part in the bike share scheme are encouraged to consider using its bikes as part of "Car Free Day" on Sunday 22 September. The globally recognised event encourages motorists to give up their cars for the day to promote other means of transport like cycling or walking.
Beryl CEO Phillip Ellis said, "We are delighted with the way the Beryl bike share scheme in Bournemouth and Poole has exponentially grown since its launch in June. For those thinking of trying out one of our bikes for the first time, I’d encourage them to try it on Car Free Day where others around the UK and the world have the chance to change their transport habits in a more environmentally friendly way."
Councillor Andy Hadley, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Transport and Infrastructure at BCP Council said:
"We are thrilled to see the outstanding figures for bike share usage across Bournemouth and Poole since the launch of the scheme in June. Cycling is a sustainable and healthy form of travel, and we hope this success encourages more people to give it a go and enjoy a ride on the increasingly recognisable Beryl Bikes. This is a real boost to our aims to combat the Climate Emergency, to reduce congestion and improve air quality by practical action from our residents and visitors.’’
Beryl riders all over Bournemouth and Poole have shared positive experiences of the hybrid bike share scheme. Rider Shannon met with the Beryl team at a community event last month and shared that she has been using the scheme to get back into regular cycling after a mountain biking injury.
"The Beryl Bikes gave me an easy and low commitment way to start regaining my confidence cycling on the street again, thanks!"
Pricing: The number of Beryl Bays throughout Bournemouth and Poole have almost doubled in number since the launch of the scheme. Beryl Bays are now servicing more residential parts of the riding area. Now the scheme is at full coverage, from September 24, the out of bay parking fee will be updated to the standard £2, from the initial discounted fee of £1 as bays rolled out.
This convenience fee and the £5 out of Beryl Zone charge act as an incentive to encourage responsible parking and are a means to keep the scheme fully operational. Riders have a payment choice of Pay-As-You-Ride (£1 unlock fee + 5p per minute), Minute Bundles (no unlock fee and bundles starting at 100 minutes for £5) or Day Passes (24 hours of unlimited riding for £12).
Once their ride is complete, users simply close the lock on the bike to complete their ride and make it available for the next person to use.
For more information on Beryl, please visit beryl.cc.