New bike hire scheme aims to reduce traffic and tackle the climate emergency in Watford

Monday, 2 March 2020 15:26

Peter Taylor has launched the new Beryl Bike scheme in Watford with many new docking bays installed around the town

The scheme which will be operational from the end of March offers residents, commuters and visitors an alternative healthy, carbon free way to get around town quickly. 200 pedal bikes and 100 electric bikes will be available to hire from key locations across Watford.

The scheme follows the towns and cities of Bournemouth, Poole, Hereford and Norwich which already have the bikes in full operation.

Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said, ‘Hundreds of people come to work, visit and use services at Watford General every day, so it’s great to have our first Beryl Bike stands installed in such an important place in our town. More of these stands will be installed in every part of Watford over the next few weeks. I’m really looking forward to my new bike hire scheme being launched. Not only is cycling better for wellbeing but it will also help reduce traffic and tackle the climate emergency in our town’.

Docking bays are located around the town including Watford Junction and Cassiobury Park.

Phil Ellis, CEO of Beryl told Vibe 107.6, ''we are aiming for 2 rides a day per bike. Everything is at ease through the Beryl Bike app and it's a new green way to get around the town.''

They will cost £1 to unlock and riders will be charged 5p per minute, with minutes also available to buy in bundles. There is however a charge for leaving a Beryl bike outside of the docking station zone which will be debited to your account.

Commuter Ryan who used a Beryl Bike for the first time said, ''the struggle of using the Metropolitan Line is the long walk into the town centre. With the bike it was a 5 minute journey. It was safe, easy to use and good value.''

To join the scheme you will need to download the free bikeshare app called beryl from App and Play stores.

Beryl bikeshare is a key part of Watford Borough Council’s travelWATFORD initiative which is providing greener travel options for the town.

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