News
New plans for Citybike scheme
Liverpool’s Citybike scheme is to be brought under council control as part of a plan which could also see it expanded to neighbouring boroughs.
The cycle rental scheme has grown considerably since it was launched in 2014 and there are now around 1,000 bikes available for hire from 140 docking stations across Liverpool.
There have been around 300,000 rentals to date, with usage up significantly year on year, and those using the bikes have cycled a total of 1.4 million miles so far.
But the size and scale of the operation means that, in common with other bike hire schemes, it requires an annual subsidy to cover the costs of repairs and maintenance – and data shows that 80 percent of the hires come from just 20 percent of the docking stations.
Now the Cabinet is being asked to reduce the subsidy by bringing the scheme in-house from operator Hourbike – saving £100k a year – and look at further offsetting them by removing the least popular docking stations, expanding its use to other parts of the city region and seeking sponsorship.
Read more in the Liverpool Express
A million miles milestone for Citybikes
Since the scheme launched in May 2014:
- 204,899 bikes have been hired
- 49,964 people have subscribed to sign up to the initiative
- More than 25,000 users have rented the bikes around eight times
- The average time people spend on the bikes is around 38 minutes, covering 8 miles within that time
This news comes as the latest 2015/16 cycling rates have been released for Liverpool which show that during this period, there has been a rise of 10.2 per cent in people getting on their bikes.
Read more in the Liverpool Express
STUDENT SPECIAL! LIMITED OFFER!
citybike is offering students a 50% discount on annual student membership to mark the start of the new semester. Whether you’re a Fresher or you’re returning to Uni, we understand money can be tight so we have made a limited number of annual student memberships available for just £25 (price also includes a £10 credit top-up).
You still get all the great benefits of citybike membership, including the first 30 minutes of every journey free, and access to bike hire at more than 140 stations across Liverpool.
You should have received a voucher code from your university’s Student Services team but if not, contact them now to receive it. Then simply register online using your university email and enter the voucher code on the registration page to gain access to cycle hire for a full year for just £25.
Remember you will need a @liverpool.ac.uk, @ljmu.ac.uk or @hope.ac.uk email address to qualify for the voucher, and also the student annual membership.