BERYL Bikes today launched a fleet of 75 bikes available for hire in Hereford.

To hire a Beryl Bike, users must use the Beryl app, available for download on the App Store for iOS, and the Google Play Store for Android users.

The bikes can be picked up and dropped off in marked ‘Beryl Bays’, which will be positioned at key attractions and transport hubs in the city, such as Hereford railway station, Old Market and Hereford Cathedral.

The payment choices are: pay-as-you-ride (£1 unlock fee plus 5p per minute), minute bundles (no unlock fee and bundles starting at 100 minutes for £5) or day passes (24 hours of unlimited riding for £12).

Once their ride is complete, users simply close the lock on the bike to complete their ride and make it available for the next person to use.

The three-speed gear bike has a step-through design suitable for riders from 4ft 11in to 6ft 5in.

They are also fitted with the company’s Laserlight Technology, combining a dynamo-powered white light with a green laser projection that is visible at night. It allows riders to be seen in blind spots and forewarns pedestrians that they are on the road when riding in the dark.

Cllr John Harrington, cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said: “The new Beryl Bikes scheme will be a fantastic addition to the many active travel options offered through our Choose How you Move project.

"They will make short journeys in and across the city much easier, reduce congestion and vehicle emissions, and help to get more people out and about using healthy, active, sustainable transport.

“We’re delighted to welcome the first 75 Beryl Bikes to Hereford and look forward to a further 75 arriving soon.

"The bikes will make travelling around Hereford both easier and healthier for local people and visitors, and the local environment will benefit from reduced pollution and better air quality.”

Phil Ellis, Beryl chief executive, said: “We’re excited to bring bike share to Hereford for the first time and make it easy and fun to get around the city by bike.

"Hereford is the perfect place for cycling and we’re pleased to be working with a dedicated and committed team at the vouncil to bring this project to life.”

For more information visit www.beryl.cc/bikeshare

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