West Midlands 'Boris bike' scheme officially launches
The West Midlands version of London's 'Boris bike' scheme officially launches today.
Following a successful trial last month, the bikes can now be hired in Wolverhampton and Sutton Coldfield.
People can sign up to the West Midlands Cycle Hire scheme via an app, which allows them to unlock a bike from one of several docking hubs.
It will cost £1 to unlock, and 5p per minute after that. This means a 20 minute cycle will cost £2 and an hour £4.
Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said: “Lockdown has shown there is a huge appetite for cycling among the people of the West Midlands as many took the opportunity to get out and about on two wheels.
“It is great to see the docks and bikes finally on the streets and arriving across the wider West Midlands over the next few months.
“As well as providing a great opportunity for more people to take up cycling - these bikes are also made here in the West Midlands, supporting local jobs and businesses.”
The scheme is run by Serco, operator of London’s famous Santander Cycles, under a five-year contract from TfWM, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). The bikes are made by Pashley’s in Stratford-upon Avon and the docking stations and locks are also manufactured in the West Midlands.
The scheme will be rolled out to six more towns and cities by the summer – Birmingham, West Bromwich, Coventry, Stourbridge, Walsall and Solihull.
In total, there will be 170 fixed docking stations and 1,500 bikes for hire, of which 150 will be powered e-bikes.