HUNDREDS of electric bikes will be available to hire in Worcester if new proposals are approved.

If backed by councillors, the proposed plan would see 225 bicycles coming to the city, with 175 of them being electric bikes.

In July, Cllr Lynn Denham, co-leader of Worcester City Council, told the Worcester News that the contract for the scheme should be awarded by October, and will be supported by a sum of £700,000, to be up and running during May 2024.

READ MORE: Cllr Denham says public bike hire is coming to Worcester

It is expected that the bikes will be available from more than 50 different parking bays, with Worcester City Council’s aim being that 85 per cent of residents would have just a five-minute walk from their home to access a bike.

Worcester City Council’s Health and Wellbeing Committee will meet on Monday, October 23, when councillors will be asked to approve the appointment of a contractor to deliver the scheme.

David Blake, Worcester City Council’s managing director, said: “The Bike Share scheme will provide residents and visitors with a convenient and easy option for journeys around the city.

"Increasing the accessibility of cycling as an alternative means of travel will also help support the council’s goals to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality across the city.”

Emily Barker, head of planning and transport planning at Worcestershire County Council, said: “We are delighted to be working with the City Council on this exciting project which will benefit both residents and visitors.

“These bikes will offer extra travel choice and will be very easy to access for a large majority of people.”

The project is to be supported by part of a £ 4.5 million Active Travel Fund, one of five projects allocated money from the City Council’s successful bid for £19.6 million from the Government’s Towns Fund. 

READ MORE: Cllr Denham downplays Worcester's chances of e-scooter trial

Many towns and cities across the UK already have cycle hire schemes, as well as electric scooter hire schemes.

Despite the popularity of electric scooters, Cllr Lynn Denham said that there were no plans to implement e-scooters in Worcester earlier this year.