Why Herefordshire Council has spent money on electric bikes

The new e-bikes are available to hire from the Beryl Bays in Hereford from today (Monday), and Herefordshire Council said it gives residents an "additional sustainable mode of transport" to make journeys in the city.

The Beryl e-Bikes have a battery-powered “pedal assist” which gives riders a comfortable boost as they turn the pedals, making going uphill or longer journeys easier, but the speed is limited to 15.5mph in accordance with the law.

Cabinet member for infrastructure and transport councillor John Harrington, pictured on one of the bikes, said the new bikes will help people access healthy and sustainable modes of transport, as well as promoting physical wellbeing and protecting the environment.

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He said: “It’s brilliant to see yet another addition to our Beryl Bikes scheme in Hereford.

"It’s so important to provide opportunities for as many people as possible to get out and about and enjoy the benefits of healthy, sustainable modes of transport such as cycling and these power assisted bikes are a joy to ride, will allow for longer or shorter journeys and will encourage nervous or less fit riders to give cycling a go.

"The city’s fleet of Beryl Bikes are a real asset to the city and our local transport network and a vital tool in helping to promote physical wellbeing and doing a little bit to protect the environment."

One of the new Beryl e-Bikes in Hereford

He added: “Of course, we are still in a pandemic, so we encourage anybody who uses a Beryl Bike to wash their hands immediately before and after use, stay two metres away from others whilst cycling and not to ride in groups."

The Beryl e-Bike can be differentiated from the usual Beryl Bikes through an electrified symbol that will be visible on the bike and bay icons in-app.

The remaining range of the bike will also be displayed in-app ahead of hiring the bike giving users confidence in the range available, and the Herefordshire Council spokesperson said the bikes should boost the city's "green recovery" from the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Beryl CEO Philip Ellis said: “Our cities are at a vital crossroads where we need to make sustainable travel more accessible and affordable, not only for the public health benefits, but for the future of our planet as well.

"I’m thrilled that Herefordshire Council recognise the importance of rejuvenating their city in a greener way, and the introduction of our Beryl e-Bike fleet is an important step to getting more people out of cars for shorter journeys that contribute greatly to air and noise pollution.”

The funding for the bikes comes from the Government's Towns Fund programme, which saw the council get a £750,000 grant to fund projects.

Other projects to benefit from the funding include the toilets and a number of units at the Maylord Shopping Centre, the installation of a renewable energy heating system at Castle Green Pavilion, a new e-bike grant scheme, and improvements for pedestrians and cyclists in St Owen Street.