A new cycle hire scheme has rolled out across Walsall, encouraging residents to get active.
Run by West Midlands Cycle Hire, the scheme was already live in various parts of the Midlands, including Coventry, Sutton Coldfield and Wolverhampton, and now there are numerous bike hire points located around Walsall town centre.
Manufactured in Stratford-Upon-Avon by Pashley Cycles, the bikes feature adjustable saddles, three gears and night lights, as well as some storage to carry essentials.
How To Hire A Bike In Walsall
Residents can hire a bike by creating an account on the Beryl cycle hire app, which is available on Android from the Google Play Store, or on iOs via the Apple Store.
Simply, go to one of the docking stations in Walsall and launch the app with GPS active. The app generates a six-digit Bike ID, which can be entered at the docking station.
This will unlock the bike allowing you to ride away before parking the bike at any of the designated parking bays to complete your ride.
Walsall Cycle Hire Cost
To unlock a bike, it costs £1 and the 5p per minute, so a 30-minute ride would cost £2.50. Payment can be made via debit or credit card through the app and there are plans to introduce Swift as a payment method later this year. The first ride, up to 30 minutes, is free.
Leader of Walsall Council, Cllr Mike Bird said:
“We’ve been investing in the walking and cycling infrastructure across Walsall, using Active Travel Funding, and this scheme, launching in collaboration with Serco and Transport for the West Midlands, provides opportunities to take advantage of that work. It’s a chance to enjoy healthy exercise and I’m sure it will prove popular with residents.”
Walsall Cycle Hire Locations
There are currently eight bike hire locations in Walsall. They include:
- Pleck Road
- Lichfield Road
- Darwell Street
- Park Street
- High Street
- Springhill Road
- Milton Street
- Bradford Street
West Midlands Cycle Hire plans to introduce electric bikes later this year.