The Liverpool Citybikes have collectively travelled half-a -million miles in the 16 months since they were rolled-out across the city.
The popular green bikes were unveiled in May 2014 and have quickly become the largest public bicycle hire service operating outside of London. Over 500,000 miles have been travelled by locals and tourists alike across Liverpool since the bikes’ release.
From Speke to Kirkdale, there are 140 bike docking stations which can be used by anyone as an easy travel option for a daily, weekly or yearly fee and the first half-hour of any journey is free.
Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, Liverpool City Council cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said: “Since Citybike was launched, people have really embraced it. Citybike has raised the positive profile of cycling in Liverpool and trips being made by bike across the city continue to increase.”
Tim Caswell, from citybike operators Hourbike, said: “We have been really impressed with the way that citybike use has continued to grow consistently in Liverpool. People really do seem keen to use the scheme rain or shine, whether city residents or tourists.”
Although there are no safety helmets available to hire out with the bikes, Citybike does encourage cyclists to wear one whenever possible.
The Citybike scheme started in Liverpool as part of the Local Sustainable Transport Fund, which aims to help provide access to transport while lowering carbon emissions by encouraging people to walk, cycle or use public transport.
With this first half-a-million miles already reached, the bikes are likely to reach the full million miles soon.