More folks get on city bikes as rental scheme is booming
The number of people making use of rental bikes in Stirling has more than doubled in the last five months.
Figures from Forth Environment Link show that, through the city’s popular Nextbike scheme, there were 900 bike hires in August and 2200 in November. More than 13,000 people have made use of the scheme since it was introduced two years ago.
The scheme was expanded earlier this year with 11 new hire facilities introduced in the area thanks to £150,000 cash boost from the Scottish Government. They include those at The PEAK, Stirling Council’s Teith House and Springkerse Park and Ride
The number of bikes available also increased from 100 to 160 and Graham McQueen, manager at Stirling Cycle Hub, is delighted with the impact the scheme has had.
He said: “The expansion of the Nextbike scheme has had a hugely positive impact on the number of people taking advantage of the scheme. Nextbike usage figures are soaring.
“Stirling is a compact city, so cycling or walking are often the best ways to get around.”
They are also encouraging Food Assembly customers who collect their orders from the Bike Hub, near Stirling Station, to travel there on foot or to make use of Stirling’s park and ride facilities.
The hire bikes, which have proved popular with students and commuters, are available to hire for the first half hour at a cost of £1 and no more than £10 for the whole day.
The scheme is backed by Stirling Council and all staff are entitled to a free membership of the scheme for a half hour slot.
There are 21 hire facilities in Stirling. They are at: Bannockburn town centre; Bannockburn High School; Borestone Roundabout; Stirling Community Hospital; Port Street; The Back Walk; Railway Station; Teith House.
The Peak; Springkerse Park and Ride; Old Stirling Bridge; Raploch Community Campus; Castle Business Park; Castleview Park and Ride; Forth Valley College; Causewayhead Roundabout.
Cottrell Building (The University of Stirling); Willow Court (The University of Stirling); Alexander Court (The University of Stirling); Fountain Road, Bridge of Allan; Bridge of Allan Railway Station.