New bike share scheme comes to mid Dorset
A new bike share scheme has launched in Corfe Mullen and Upton in Dorset, enabling residents and visitors to enjoy more of the local area and beyond.
Eighty bikes are now available to be picked up from the Beryl bays in the towns, offering a choice of pedal cycles and e-bikes.
The recognisable bays, marked with green Beryl signage, are located at sites around Corfe Mullen and Upton. Riders just need to download the Beryl app[1], book their bike and start their adventure.
Having already proven a success in Wimborne, Ferndown, Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Wool, and Studland, the bike share scheme is now expanding its reach so more people can explore the area.
Councillor Noc Lacey Clarke, Dorset Council Cabinet Lead for Highways and Travel, said:
“We are delighted this popular bike hire scheme has extended to cover mid Dorset, it’s an ideal way to make the most of the area, leave the car at home and get active. If you haven’t tried an electric bike before, the new e-bikes are a great addition to the fleet, helping make those hillier areas more manageable!”
Councillor Lacey Clarke continued: “Dorset Council has ambitious targets for carbon emission reduction over the coming years, so providing a way for more people to leave their vehicles at home and hop on a bike aligns with our goal of creating stronger and healthier communities.”
Beryl CEO and co-founder, Phil Ellis, said:
“We want to encourage even more people to take up sustainable transport and expanding our services to serve the Corfe Mullen and Upton areas will enable us to do this.
“By getting more people out of the car and onto two wheels, we can contribute towards getting more people active and improving public health as well as cutting congestion on the area’s roads and improving air quality.
“We can also save people money, as our services are cost-effective compared to private vehicle use, removing the need to pay for fuel, insurance, tax, MOT, parking, storage and maintenance.”
With Beryl bike bays spread across south, east, and now mid Dorset, riders have the freedom to embark on longer journeys, exploring various towns and attractions. Imagine starting your ride in Ferndown, following scenic cycle routes to Wool, catching a train back to Poole, and then picking up another bike to conclude your journey – the possibilities are endless.
By embracing this innovative bike share initiative, individuals can:
- embrace the natural beauty of Dorset
- save money on fuel and parking
- enhance their fitness and wellbeing
- contribute to cleaner air and reduced carbon emissions
- avoid the frustrations of traffic congestion.
How to hire a Beryl
The Beryl app[2] is available for free download on the App Store for iOS and the Google Play Store for Android users, ensuring a seamless experience for all.
Simply download the app[3] to find your nearest bicycle, tap to unlock and off you go.
As you reach your destination, conveniently park your bike at any designated Beryl bay, freeing you to enjoy the rest of your day.
Find full details of how it works on the Beryl website.[4]
Electric bikes
The e-bikes work on a pedal-assist basis, when the rider starts pedalling, the electric motor provides a welcome boost, especially on more challenging terrain.
The assist is capped at 15.5m/ph. Once you reach this speed, the motor will no longer assist you, but you’ll be able to continue pedalling as normal.
Find out more about riding an e-bike.[5]
For more information and to start your cycling journey, visit beryl.cc[6]
Dorset’s scheme launched in August 2022 and, so far, the scheme has generated over 5,500 sustainable journeys across nearly 20,000km – more than the distance between Dorset and New Zealand. Find out more about its first year in Dorset.[7]
References
- ^ Beryl app (beryl.app.link)
- ^ Beryl app (beryl.app.link)
- ^ app (beryl.app.link)
- ^ Find full details of how it works on the Beryl website. (beryl.cc)
- ^ Find out more about riding an e-bike. (help-bikes.beryl.cc)
- ^ beryl.cc (beryl.cc)
- ^ Find out more about its first year in Dorset. (beryl.cc)