Bikes and bays will be removed from the Wimborne, Colehill, West Parley, West Moors and Ferndown areas by Friday 28 February. The bikes and bays will remain in the Corfe Mullen and Upton areas, which will continue to link up with Beryl’s Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) scheme.
Since launching in August 2022, the scheme has had a positive impact on congestion, physical activity and carbon emission levels in the southeast Dorset region. It has generated nearly 30,000 journeys across more 122,000 kilometres, saving around four tonnes of carbon emissions according to industry calculations.
The majority of these journeys have taken place on safe cycling routes provided by Dorset Council. More safe cycling infrastructure would have potentially made the scheme more viable.
Beryl will continue to work in partnership with the council to operate their successful 121 e-bike hire scheme in Dorchester, Weymouth and Portland. Since launching in August 2024, this scheme has already generated nearly 15,000 journeys and saved nearly two tonnes of carbon emissions.
Beryl CEO and co-founder, Phil Ellis, said: “We’re constantly reviewing and assessing our schemes alongside our local authority partners, to ensure they continue to be delivered as safely and effectively as possible.
“We know, from our latest annual Rider Report, that a lack of good cycling infrastructure can be a significant barrier to people looking to take their first ride (25% of those asked).
“This is reflected in the ridership patterns for Wimborne and Ferndown, which really demonstrate the benefits of providing safe and reliable cycling infrastructure.
“We will now focus on ensuring our e-bike share scheme in Dorchester, Weymouth and Portland builds on its initial success and continues to encourage people across the region to swap four wheels for two.
“We’d like to thank all of our riders, partners and stakeholders for their support and contribution towards the scheme in Wimborne, Colehill, West Parley, West Moors and Ferndown.”
The southeast Dorset scheme is funded through southeast Dorset’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF)1 programme.
The Beryl Rider Report is an annual survey of people who have signed up to use Beryl, including both those who have taken a ride and those who have yet to. The report is compiled to help us identify and understand trends, patterns, demographics, motivations and obstacles to using shared sustainable transport. The 2024 report was released earlier this month.
For more information on Beryl share schemes, visit www.beryl.cc