Run by operator Beryl, alongside Solent Transport and its partner local authorities, the scheme has generated over 72,000 journeys across nearly 186,000 km in its first year - more than four and a half trips around the Earth. 

Feedback from users reveals that almost 15,000 of these journeys have directly replaced private car, van or taxi journeys, saving over five tonnes of carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere. 

The scheme, which is funded by the Solent Future Transport Zone, was expanded earlier this summer and now offers more than 800 rental bikes and e-bikes, available at approximately 285 locations across Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. 

Beryl also operates a DfT-sanctioned rental e-scooter trial on the Isle of Wight, which launched in November 2020 and has generated nearly 145,000 journeys across 454,000 km. 

To help make the scheme even more accessible, Beryl are currently running a special promotion offering students 25% off all Minute Bundles or Rider Passes. Students just need to create an account with their university or college email address then complete an online form to receive their own personal discount code. 

Beryl CEO and cofounder, Phil Ellis, said: “We deliver shared sustainable transport schemes in towns and cities to help boost access to cycling and encourage more people out of their cars for short journeys. 

“By doing this we help contribute towards cutting urban traffic congestion, improving air quality and getting more people active, which is scientifically proven to improve both mental and physical health.

“The numbers show that our Solent schemes have been successful in this regard and we look forward to working with our local authority partners to build upon what has been a successful first year.”

Cllr Phil Jordan, Deputy Chair of Solent Transport’s Joint Committee said: “The Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council are united in their vision for delivering a regional bike share scheme that offers a more cost effective and coordinated approach to transforming public transport as part of the DfT funded, Solent Future Transport Zone.

“Beryl Bikes by Breeze are proving a popular and welcome addition to the region and I am enthusiastic about expanding the current area of operation to ensure sustainable transport becomes a viable option for more of our residents and visitors. A well utilised bike share scheme that can be accessed from our Breeze transport app, is an important element in our aspiration to improve transport connectivity across south Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”

Riders can hire a bike through the Beryl app and Breeze, the new transport super-app developed by Solent Transport, that also lets you hire rental e-scooters, purchase bus and train tickets, and plan journeys across south Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. 

Both the Beryl and Breeze apps are available for download on the App Store for iOS and the Google Play Store for Android users. Once registered, you can use the apps to simply pick up and drop off bikes at secure parking places close to where you live and work.

For more info, visit beryl.cc/where-you-can-hire