Cycle hire finalists on view
Cyclists in Liverpool have the chance in the coming days to help pick the bikes that will be used for the new cycle hire scheme due to launch later this year.
Five shortlisted fleets are on show from today until Wednesday 17 July. Each operator will set up its unique cycle hire stations and bikes in the city centre, giving everyone the chance to take the bikes for a spin and see which they like best.
The five are:
- Bicincitta, from Italy
- Nextbike, Germany
- Arriva Deutsche Bahn, UK-Germany
- Hourbike, UK
- Grand Scheme, UK
People who want to try out the bikes can pop along to one of the stations, between 9.30am and 4.30pm on Mount Pleasant or in St Paul's Square, register, pick up a route map and get cycling. When they return the bike to the station, they will be asked to fill out a form, giving their feedback.
The suppliers offer a range of different bike styles and systems, from 'Cleverboxes' built into the bikes themselves, which allow people to make hire payment using their mobile phone; to dedicated consoles within the stations, enabling people to pay by credit card.
Liverpool's Cycle Hire Scheme is due to launch later this year, offering people a cheaper, healthier and more environmentally friendly way of getting around the city.
Details of the demonstrations, which take place daily, between 9.30am and 4.30pm, are as follows:
Tuesday 8 July to Thursday 10 July: Bicincitta, DB Arriva and Hourbike will be at Mount Pleasant-Hope Street junction
Wednesday 9 July to Thursday 10 July: Nextbike, St Paul's Square, off Old Hall Street
Friday 12 July: All five suppliers will be at St Paul's Square – off Old Hall Street
Monday 15 July to Wednesday 17 July: Grand Scheme and Hourbike will be at Mount Pleasant- Hope Street junction
The Liverpool City Cycle Hire Scheme will see 1,000 cycles available for hire at 60 stations, primarily in the city centre.
The scheme will be funded using £1.5m from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund. Following the initial investment, the council hopes the scheme will become financially sustainable after three years.