New Dorset bike share scheme to span three new areas
Sustainable transport operators Beryl and partners, Dorset Council, are launching a brand new e-bike share scheme linking coast to town and beyond.
Later this summer, 121 e-bikes will be made available to hire across Dorchester, Weymouth and the scenic Isle of Portland to help encourage even more sustainable transport habits across Dorset.
The e-bikes will be hired from and returned to designated ‘Beryl bays’, which will be located following consultation with key local stakeholders.
The scheme will be operated by Beryl on behalf of Dorset Council, with the initial set-up costs being funded by the council.
Beryl CEO and co-founder, Phil Ellis, said: “Dorset is not only a picturesque area with plenty to see and do, it also has a clear ambition to encourage more sustainable transport choices.
“Our e-bikes are a fun, easy and versatile way to travel and their extra power can really open up areas, enabling riders to tackle hills and undertake longer journeys.
“They’re also great for commuting, helping to reduce physical exertion and allowing people to arrive at work clean and ready to go.
“By encouraging more people to swap four wheels for two, we can hopefully contribute even more towards reducing traffic congestion while improving air quality and public health.”
Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said:
“We’re looking forward to these new e-bikes arriving in Portland, Weymouth and Dorchester. They offer the perfect way to explore this wonderful area and, with the added electric boost, you’ll be able to make light work of the trip.”
Cllr Nick Ireland, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate, continued: “As a council, we are committed to addressing climate change, and we have an important role to play in driving our county towards net zero. This innovative scheme makes it easier for more residents and visitors to enjoy Dorset’s great outdoors while helping protect the environment too.”
Users will be able to pay for their journeys in a variety of ways to suit individual needs and circumstances, with Pay-As-You-Ride, Minute Bundle and various pass options.
Beryl currently operates a 202 bike/e-bike share scheme with Dorset Council in the southeast of the region. Launched in August 2022, the bikes are available to hire from 43 bays across Wimborne, Colehill, West Parley, West Moors, Ferndown, Upton and Corfe Mullen providing a convenient link up with the neighbouring Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) bike, e-bike and e-scooter share scheme.
Before the new bikes arrive in Portland, Weymouth and Dorchester, why not give one a try elsewhere in the county.
Categories: Highways Leisure and Tourism Environment and Ecology
Comments
3 Comments
When will the e-bike share scheme be available in the St Leonards & St Ives parish?
There might well be 3 places already in the Dorset county, but as to how near to Weymouth they are, you can forget about me travelling to the nearest place just to "try it out". When will the actual bikes be actually in Weymouth and where is the map of the places to pick up and drop off whatever we hire/use?
It's a shame Lytchett Matravers and Lytchett Minster were not included in the last roll out along with Corfe Mullen and Upton. Lytchett Matravers particularly could benefit taking into account it's semi-rural location which means travelling by car is often the only way to get about, plus it's proximity and connections to the BCP area means many journeys currently made by car are into areas where Beryl Bikes are already available - having this service available would likely reduce numbers of car journeys in the area and give young people in the area much more freedom to get about avoiding the huge expense of a car. I and others have requested the service directly to Beryl but nothing ever came of it. Is Dorset Council able to raise this with Beryl Bikes?