Sponsored by
Blackpool pioneers cycling revolution
SADDLE up for a better tomorrow!
Blackpool today became one of the first towns in the UK to offer an automatic pay-and-pedal scheme.
The first, of what could eventually be more than 100 bicycle collection points, are opening this weekend with 50 cycles available for daily hire.
The first hire hubs have been installed along South Promenade and in Stanley Park but eventually the network will stretch across the resort with more than 100 hubs.
To rent their wheels, cyclists call a number, pay for their bike hire of 8 per day, input the code they are given into the hub keypad and away they go. They can return their bike to any hub.
The prices are reduced for families depending on the number of bikes they need. Three bikes will cost 20 with children's sizes also available.
The scheme has been welcomed by cycling enthusiasts.
Tom Leivers, of Blackpool Youth Cycling Association, said: "It's a great idea. The more we can get people out on bikes, the more they will get used to cycling as an alternative to using their cars.
"Hopefully, it will also get mums and dads cycling. We have about 30 youngsters who are members of our club but we also want to encourage parental involvement.
"Blackpool is ideal for cycling because it is so flat."
Hotelier and keen cyclist Damon Warnes, who has organised the first Rapha Condor Blackpool Sportive cycling event on the Fylde, on August 1, said the hubs would also be a tourist attraction.
Mr Warnes, of the West Vale Hotel, Reads Avenue, said: "When the new Prom is fully open, it will be great for people to be able to hire a bike and spend their day cycling. It's also very healthy."
Coun Maxine Callow, cabinet member for tourism and regeneration, said: "When this scheme is fully up and running there is no reason why people will not be able to jump on a bike from wherever they are.
"We hope eventually to have over 100 hubs."
Eventually, residents could be offered a membership scheme where a top-up card can be purchased and bikes are then hired for just 1 per hour with the first 30 minutes free. Their membership will also allow them to hire bikes when visiting other towns.
Blackpool has already secured cycling town status and is emerging as a key venue for top cycling events.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Blackpool
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
