200 ‘next generation’ electric bicycles are now ready to hire across the metropolitan area.
Available at 50 docking stations, placed at strategic locations such as major transport hubs, key infrastructure sites, busy business districts, education institutions and cycle superhighways. The focus is to make it as easy as possible for commuters and other residents to ditch their cars and instead rely on a combination of public and shared transport modes.
Sponsored by national railways operator LNER — which runs East Coast Mainline services between West Yorkshire, including Bradford, Edinburgh and London — the scheme was developed by the city council, who confirmed Beryl would take a lead on provision in December.
‘I’m delighted to officially launch the LNER Bradford Beryl E-Bikes,’ said Cllr Sarah Ferribly, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places. ‘These public e‑bikes are something new for our city and will encourage residents, visitors, students, and workers to choose a clean, healthy, and accessible way to travel. The scheme draws on Beryl’s extensive experience in delivering successful bike hire projects across the UK.’
‘We are excited to launch LNER Bradford Beryl Bikes! Sustainable micromobility is a transformative technology, and public schemes like this make it more accessible and affordable,’ added Beryl CEO, Phil Ellis. ‘All-electric journeys using smaller, lighter forms of transport can significantly cut emissions and increase air quality in cities, an area of increased focus. We are proud to work alongside Bradford Council and LNER on this new e-bike scheme and look forward to seeing the Beryl BBE2 powering sustainable journeys throughout Bradford.’
The e-bikes will contribute to ongoing efforts at improving air pollution in and around Bradford. The city’s Clean Air Zone, introduced in 2022, has already been hailed for its success, with widespread support for the intervention among members of the public. However, recent data released by electric vehicle charge point operator Believ shows that despite major steps taken by English and Welsh authorities, 80% are still failing to meet World Health Organisation maximum limits for some forms of pollution.
Bradford’s collaboration with Beryl offers a number of different price points. Pay-as-you-go costs £0.16 per minute with a £1 unlock feee. Minutes Bundles and Passes are also available for more regular users. These can be bought in 50, 100 and 200 minute increments, or as a Day Pass. Students receive a 25% discount.
Image: Bradford City Council / Beryl / LNER
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