Endurance cyclist Mark Beaumont backs Edinburgh cycle hire scheme

The fastest man to cycle around the planet has been announced as an ambassador for Edinburgh's new cycle hire scheme.

Endurance cyclist Mark Beaumont is supporting for the initiative ahead of its official launch in the capital next month.

His roles include testing the app, docking technology and bike before the scheme is opened up to members of the public.

Mr Beaumont, who lives in the city, said: "I'm really pleased to get behind Edinburgh's first cycle hire scheme, which will open up cycling to a much broader audience, showing the benefits and possibilities getting on a bike can bring to anyone.

"You don't have to go round the world to get something back from cycling, and as someone who lives in Edinburgh, I'm excited to see the bikes and cycle hire points beginning to pop up all over the city as more people see the benefits of travelling on two wheels.''

Mr Beaumont, 35, last year smashed the world record for cycling around the globe by completing the epic ride in 79 days.

Transport for Edinburgh (TfE) chair, councillor Lesley Macinnes, said: "It's fantastic to see these brand new bikes in use, and being tested by Mark Beaumont, no less.

"By introducing a cycle hire scheme to Edinburgh we want to make it as easy and appealing as possible for people to cycle in the capital, whether they live here, commute to or are visiting the city.

"With Mark as ambassador of this initiative, I look forward to seeing a lot more people choosing to explore our fantastic city by bike.''

Public service provider Serco has signed an agreement with TfE to operate the hiring scheme, with at least 500 manual bikes to be delivered by April next year.