Published on Friday 14 June 2019
BCP Council, in partnership with operator Beryl, has launched a new innovative hybrid bike share scheme for Bournemouth and Poole.
More than 50 emerald green Beryl bikes will be available for instant hire from Monday 17 June and this fleet will increase to 1,000 as summer progresses. There will be no cost to the Council and Beryl will be responsible for supplying the bikes plus associated equipment as well as management and maintenance of the service. Future developments will look to expand the scheme into Christchurch.
Councillor Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Infrastructure at BCP Council, said:
"I am really enthusiastic about the arrival of the new and eye-catching bikes, which utilise some of the latest smart technology available. They will provide both visitors and locals with an excellent opportunity to travel or explore our area in a way that is sustainable, convenient and fun.’’
Those living in or visiting Bournemouth and Poole can hire the bikes through the Beryl app, available for download on the App Store for iOS, and the Google Play Store for Android users. The bikes will be available for pick up and drop off in marked ‘Beryl Bays’ and riders will 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.
The three-speed gear bikes are suitable for riders from 4’11" to 6’5". They are also fitted with Beryl’s patented Laserlight Technology. This combines bright, dynamo-powered white light with a green laser projection. Visible at night it allows riders to be seen in blind spots and forewarn pedestrians that they’re approaching when riding in the dark.