A fleet of brand-new bikes and e-bikes are available to hire in Bushey.
Hertsmere Borough Council, in partnership with share scheme operator Beryl, has extended the cycle-hire scheme in Bushey, providing 15 bikes at four convenient locations across the village, all available to hire via the Beryl app.
The expansion of the cycle hire scheme now enables cycle travel between Bushey and Watford, as well as across Borehamwood and Elstree, and is one part of the council’s ambitious plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions no later than 2050.
The public hire scheme aims to encourage cycling to help promote active and sustainable travel, reduce transport related carbon emissions, improve air quality in Bushey, develop connectivity with surrounding areas, in addition to improving the health and well-being of residents.
Councillor Paul Richards, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Sustainability and Net Zero and Public Health, said: “Our cycle scheme is a fun, sustainable and healthy way for our residents and visitors to get around without having to rely on petrol or diesel-powered vehicles.
“The cycle hire scheme is just one part of our sustainability aims and our commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions no later than 2050. It will help us to make positive impacts not only on our environment, by reducing car traffic and air pollution, but also on the health and wellbeing of our local communities, by providing a healthy alternative to jumping in the car, especially at a time when fuel is so expensive.
“It’s simple and cheap to hire a bike, so why not download the app and give it a try.”
Councillor Nik Oakley, Portfolio Holder for Planning Infrastructure and Transport, said: “In addition to the health and environmental benefits, this cycle scheme opens up the opportunities for our communities and will help support our local economy in Hertsmere.
“Following consultation with our residents and key partners, we have installed Beryl bays at key locations across the village, which allows users to make quick, easy trips across the town and surrounding area – perfect for work, leisure or running errands.
"The expansion to our cycle scheme provides thousands of people in Bushey with an affordable, convenient, non-polluting transport option.”
Beryl CEO and co-founder, Phil Ellis, said: “We know, from speaking directly to our riders, that our schemes can break down the barriers to active travel and encourage more sustainable transport habits.
“Our latest annual Rider Report showed that, since using Beryl services, 53% of riders cycled more or much more often and 34% of riders had used their private car less often or had stopped altogether.
“Our bikes are simple to use, convenient and cost effective, removing the costs associated with private vehicle use such as fuel, storage, insurance, tax, MOT, maintenance and parking, so why not give them a go.”
The Beryl bays are located at:
- Bushey Grove Leisure Centre
- Bushey High Street
- Moatfield Recreation Ground
- King George Recreation Ground
Recent research shows that car travel accounts for over 70 per cent of all journeys made and just 1.9 per cent of trips under three miles are made by cycling. The cycle hire scheme aims to change this trend in favour of active and sustainable transport.
Funding for the cycle hire scheme has all come from development contributions, secured through the section 106 contributions.
The Beryl app is available for free download on the App Store for iOS, and the Google Play Store for Android users.
To find out more about the scheme or your nearest Beryl Bay, please visit:
beryl.cc/scheme/hertsmere
Posted on Monday 29th April 2024