A new public e-bike hire service, Leeds City Bikes, has hit the streets of Leeds.Operated by PHAR client, Beryl, Leeds City Bikes is a fully electric public bike hire service of over 650 bikes, enabling more people to cycle short journeys. The £2.86 million scheme sees e-bikes for hire at docking stations in the centre, and along key routes to the south and north-west of the city, before expanding to other areas. A special event was held on 23rd September to mark the launch of the service, with free bike trials and fun activities with prizes such as free bike minutes up for grabs.PHAR will be exclusively responsible for delivering a sponsor partner for the scheme. Councillor Helen Hayden, Executive Member for Infrastructure and Climate, said: “It’s fantastic to see this scheme launching. A public bike hire scheme has been a long ambition of Leeds and it’s a crucial part of offering quick and sustainable journeys across the city centre. We want Leeds to be a city where you don’t need to own a car and a key part of that is expanding and supporting our cycling network. This bike hire scheme is a great way use that network for short journeys, as well as long hopefully in the future. “We know that compared to conventional push bikes, e-bikes are an easier access point for new users including older people, people with limited physical strength, people who have limited cycling confidence or experience and people who are looking to take up cycling. I hope that Leeds City Bikes will encourage more people to try cycling without the investment of buying their own bike.” This work is part of the Connecting Leeds Transport Strategy to make Leeds a city where you don’t need a car. Leeds City Council and the Combined Authority have been working closely with accessibility groups, communities, and other key stakeholders to ensure as many people as possible can access the service. The service is being funded by the Combined Authority through its Transforming Cities Fund programme, which is aimed at making it easier for people to walk, cycle and use public transport. Subject to further funding, it is hoped the Leeds e-bike hire service will be the first of many to be rolled out across West Yorkshire in the future. Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:“It’s great to see these e-bikes on the streets of Leeds. “We want to create a stronger and better-connected region so everyone has the same opportunity to get on in life. “And a reliable and inclusive transport network, which puts walking and cycling at the heart of our everyday journeys, is key to this.” Phil Ellis, CEO of Beryl, said:“We’re delighted to be working with another of the UK’s major transport authorities to make sustainable transport even more accessible to people across Leeds while helping to further decarbonise the city’s integrated transport system.“We are the UK’s only home-grown shared transport provider, designing and assembling our own products and industry-leading technology, while maintaining control over safety, durability and quality.“Our bikes are not only fun, reliable, and simple to use, they’re also cost-effective compared to private vehicle ownership, removing the costs associated with fuel, parking, storage, tax, maintenance, MOT and insurance.“By swapping four wheels for two, you can not only contribute towards improving air quality and reducing traffic congestion, you can also boost your own physical and mental health, so why not give it a go.”
