Hundreds of people had a ride on the new Brighton bikeshare bikes even before the scheme officially went live.
By the official launch this afternoon (Friday 1 September) more than 300 people had registered for the scheme and more than 300 people had been for a spin.
Tim Caswell, owner of Hourbike, the company providing and operating the scheme, said that it had been a long road to reach this point.
But the early take up was encouraging and, having set up similar schemes in other parts of the country, he added, Brighton definitely had the most fun launch.
Brighton and Hove City Council deputy leader, Labour councillor Gill Mitchell, praised the scheme and said that she hoped it would be a success.
And former Green councillor Ian Davey – who piloted the idea through the council, winning cross-party support and government funding – was on hand to see the policy reach fruition.
Among those in support at the launch event on Brighton seafront were the Conservatives’ cycling champion on the council, Councillor Nick Lewry, and Brighton and Hove Buses boss Martin Harris.
The scheme cost almost £1.5 million to set up, with more than £1.1 million coming from the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership and almost £300,000 from the council.
A key aim is to encourage more people to cycle more than drive, helping them to stay fit while reducing traffic congestion.
With a £1 minimum ride for half an hour or a £72 annual fee, the operators hope the pricing will prove attractive.
About two thirds of the 50 docking stations have been put in place although more will be fitted this month.
And most of the 450 bikes have been distributed, with people trying to ride them as soon as they saw them put in place.
Councillor Mitchell said that when it became clear people wanted to test them out, it was agreed to start the operating technology early rather than dampen anyone’s enthusiasm.
The bikes are easy to use, quiet and smooth to ride, with eight gears. An account number and PIN (personal identification number) releases the lock.
They have GPS trackers so don’t even need to be left at an official docking station, provided they are secured.
A local firm, South Coast Bikes, will have the job of making sure there are enough bikes at the docking stations to meet demand as far as possible.
Again the GPS technology will help record where the most popular pick up and drop off points are.
One disappointment is that train company Southern has not taken advantage of the scheme by hosting a docking station at Brighton Station yet.
To find out more and register, go to www.btnbikeshare.com.
So cycling obsessed Ian Davey is alive – and admitting responsibility for setting up this stupid system.
In a city with no space for dedicated cycle lanes to protect irresponsible, unskilled, helmet-less cyclists it wont be long before accidents happen.
And as Ian originally discounted the scheme because of the all the hills (the Montmartre effect) why did he still decide to got ahead with this scheme?
I do like the attack on Southern – didn’t they help finance the cycle hub folly with café and yoga? Clue – another product of Davey’s obsession…
They are called life bikes aren’t they?
Dear Gerald, if Ian Davey is obsessed with cycling, he is at least encouraging a safer, healthier and greener form of transport than driving, even though I freely confess I (mostly) like driving my car.
This is not only a city with little space for dedicated cycle lanes but not enough space for parking – cars, bikes, motorbikes, coaches!
The scheme itself is far from stupid though. Having tried similar schemes elsewhere, the set up in Brighton is fairly sophisticated.
It is a worry that some less-practised cyclists will be at risk on our traffic-choked roads but those of us driving cars and bigger vehicles need to remember our (legal) obligations which include driving safely and with due care and attention and with consideration.
Despite your cynicism, I hope you will try the new bikes if you are able to. They’re not just practical and healthy but fun!
Go on, get on yer bike!
I think this scheme is amazing, and i look forward to riding the bikes! Also, the last paragraph isn’t quite true – there is a whole rack of the bikes right in front of Brighton Station, just not the station itself.
The bikes are outside the station. My understanding is Southern wouldn’t play ball and this report seems to back that up. Southern gives the impression of being anti-cyclist. It’s not just this instance. Cyclists used to be able to use the trains fairly efficiently after the annual London to Brighton bike ride but not any more. They now rely on a fleet of lorries and buses. At one point Southern also tried to get rid of some of the cycle parking at Brighton station but relented only after facing public and political pressure. Granted, they have made other concessions to cycle parking at other stations, with double-deck racks, but overall I find using the train as a cyclist a lot less welcoming than when I first started commuting. It’s partly for that reason that I drive to work a lot more than I used to (although age also has something to do with it).
Wow can’t believe the negativity of trendy green Brighton,and we have had our scheme in Worthing for 2 month’s and it all looks very encouraging so far! We all suffer the poor cycling network but don’t use it as an excuse to do nothing,well done Brighton council