Bike-sharing scheme to be expanded across capital
CARDIFF’S popular bike-sharing scheme is expanding again with 27 new locations announced.
It means the scheme is more than doubling in size. Currently there are 25 stations, which is increasing to 52.
New docking stations will be installed in Llandaff, Grangetown, Heath, and Ely, as well as several around Cardiff University. A new station will also be created at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay.
The scheme sees users pick up a bike at docks around the city. The charge depends on how long they have the bike for. The standard payas-you-go charge is £1 for 30 minutes’ riding. But the first 30 minutes of every journey is free for annual subscribers.
The bikes have been used an average of five times per day and have been rented 53,000 times since they were first introduced into the city, but the popularity has led to problems with availability.
Nextbike, the world’s most extensive bike-share operator, recently revealed the city’s 16,000 registered users have already cycled an impressive 140,000km since the scheme was launched in March – the equivalent of 42 times the distance Geraint Thomas cycled in winning the Tour de France.
Managing director Julian Scriven said he hoped people would be happy to see the extra stations being installed.
“Demand for the scheme has been phenomenal in Cardiff since we launched,” he said. “While this has been amazing, at times it’s been clear that we’ve needed more bikes and stations to keep up with demand.
“We’ve listened to our customers to see where they want to see new stations and we’ve tried hard to take this into account when planning new locations with Cardiff council, such as in the Llandaff area.
“The larger the scheme grows, the more reliable it becomes as a viable alternative for people looking to change the way they commute to work and get around the city.
“It’s important for us to ensure that bikes are available not just across the city centre area, but in the outlying areas to ensure all members of the community are able to access and benefit from the scheme.
“With this in mind we’re currently in talks to see how the scheme could be expanded further.”
Council cabinet member Caro Wild said: “It is great to hear that Cardiff has had the most successful launch in the UK.
“The scheme makes cycling accessible to the public and it is fantastic to hear that the scheme continues to be popular.
“With the scheme now doubling in size there will be more bikes available, especially in outer city areas which will hopefully encourage even more people to cycle into and around the city.”