Launched on 1 August 2022 with 122 bikes, the scheme has generated over 5500 sustainable journeys across nearly 20,000km - more than the distance between Dorset and New Zealand. 

Well over a third of these journeys (38.3%) have replaced road transport journeys - including driving or being a passenger in a car, van, taxi or motorbike. This has saved over 1.3 tonnes of harmful Carbon Dioxide emissions, the equivalent of over 570 litres of petrol or seven and a half flights between London and Edinburgh. 

The average distance and duration of the journeys is 3.5km over 21 minutes, demonstrating the scheme’s value in helping people to make shorter journeys sustainably. 

Beryl CEO and co-founder, Phil Ellis, said: “We’ve been really pleased with the impact of our Dorset scheme which has had a significant impact on replacing road transport journeys and improving regional air quality.

“Southeast Dorset has some excellent local cycling infrastructure that has dovetailed well with the arrival of our bike share scheme, undoubtedly helping to break down the barriers to active travel for more people in the area. 

“Our vehicles are fun, easy to use and cost effective when compared to private vehicle ownership - removing the costs associated with fuel, tax, MOT, insurance, maintenance, storage and parking - so why not give us a try this summer.”

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “Dorset Council has ambitious targets for carbon emission reduction over the coming years, so it makes sense to work with Beryl to provide an easy way for our residents to leave their vehicles at home and hop on a bike. 

“The scheme also aligns with our goal of creating stronger and healthier communities, and is supported by our current work on active travel infrastructure in East Dorset.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in the success of the Beryl bike share scheme, and encourage everyone who hasn’t tried it yet to download the app, find your nearest bike and give it a go.”

With 43 bays across Wimborne, Colehill, West Parley, West Moors and Ferndown, the scheme provides a convenient link up with the neighbouring Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) scheme, removing the barriers to sustainable transport for even more people.

Funded through southeast Dorset’s Community Infrastructure Levy, the scheme was developed primarily to help people make the following journeys in a sustainable way:

• From Wimborne – Ferndown (20 mins) Parley Cross (30 mins) Colehill (5 mins) West Moors (25 mins) Bournemouth (50 mins), Christchurch (58 mins), Poole (36 mins)
• From Ferndown – Moors Valley Country Park (25 mins) Verwood (30 mins) Colehill (15 mins) West Moors (8 mins) Parley Cross (12 mins) Bournemouth (42 mins), Christchurch (43 mins), Poole (53 mins) 

Riders can hire a Beryl Bike through 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’.

Riders have a payment choice of Pay-As-You-Ride (£1 unlock fee + 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. 

For more information on the Beryl Bikes scheme, visit beryl.cc/dorset