South East Dorset's Beryl Bikes being removed TODAY
Dorset Council say the hire scheme's contract is ending
Beryl bikes are being removed from South East Dorset by today (Friday 28th February), as the contract with Dorset Council to provide 122 bikes comes to an end.
The hire bikes and bays will no longer be available in Wimborne, Colehill, West Parley, West Moors and Ferndown.
But the service will remain in Corfe Mullen and Upton areas, to link up with Beryl’s Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) scheme.
Since launching in August 2022, the scheme's been used for nearly 30,000 journeys across more 122,000 kilometres, saving around four tonnes of carbon emissions according to industry calculations.
Dorset Council say the majority of journeys have taken place on safe cycling routes provided by Dorset Council, but they admit safe cycling infrastructure would have potentially made the scheme more viable.
Beryl will continue to work in partnership with the council to operate their successful 121 e-bike hire scheme in Dorchester, Weymouth and Portland.
That's been used for nearly 15,000 journeys and saved nearly two tonnes of carbon emissions since launching in August 2024.
Beryl CEO and co-founder, Phil Ellis, said: “We’re constantly reviewing and assessing our schemes alongside our local authority partners, to ensure they continue to be delivered as safely and effectively as possible.
“We know, from our latest annual Rider Report, that a lack of good cycling infrastructure can be a significant barrier to people looking to take their first ride (25% of those asked).
“This is reflected in the ridership patterns for Wimborne and Ferndown, which really demonstrate the benefits of providing safe and reliable cycling infrastructure.
“We will now focus on ensuring our e-bike share scheme in Dorchester, Weymouth and Portland builds on its initial success and continues to encourage people across the region to swap four wheels for two.
“We’d like to thank all of our riders, partners and stakeholders for their support and contribution towards the scheme in Wimborne, Colehill, West Parley, West Moors and Ferndown.”
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