Locations like Leeds, Greater Manchester, and Plymouth saw significant demand for bicycle ownership following the launch of rental services.
Looking at data collected from the year to September 2023, Paul’s Cycles has identified a strong correlation between cycle hire schemes and interest in bikes amongst the local public.
Rather than discouraging sales of bicycles, cities that have welcomed the Beryl cycle hire platforms are more likely to see an uptick in people buying their own two-wheeled, pedal-powered transport solution outright. From a total of 11 locations, six showed a rise in this type of demand.
‘New riders now have a low-barrier entry point into cycling, which only expands the cycling audience. This increase in rental cycling leads to higher engagement with the sport, and with that, more potential bike owners,’ said Paul’s Cycles Managing Director, Tom Thornley.
Online searches for bicycles — and specifically ‘purchase-related’ search terms linked to bikes — also significantly increased as a result of new hire schemes. Leeds, for example, saw a 143% rise in searches, Worcester enjoyed a 100% boost, while Greater Manchester and Plymouth saw relevant internet searches grow by 50% each.
‘Ownership brings long-term value, both financially and personally. While renting can feel flexible, the costs quickly add up and often don’t provide the custom fit, convenience, or sense of pride that comes with owning your own bike,’ Thornley continued. ‘Owning a bike allows for upgrades, personal adjustments, and immediate availability, no app or reservation needed.’
|
Beryl City |
‘Bike hire’ searches vs before Beryl launch |
|
|
3-month change |
12-month change |
|
|
Brighton and Hove |
57% |
22% |
|
Cornwall |
53% |
53% |
|
Dorchester, Weymouth and Portland |
67% |
25% |
|
Dorset |
53% |
24% |
|
Eastleigh |
-50% |
-50% |
|
Greater Manchester (originally by another provider, now Beryl) |
0% |
22% |
|
Guildford |
57% |
50% |
|
Leeds |
21% |
21% |
|
Plymouth |
67% |
25% |
|
Stevenage |
-100% |
-100% |
|
Worcester |
50% |
0% |
|
Beryl City |
‘Bikes for sale’ searches vs before Beryl launch |
|
|
3-month change |
12-month change |
|
|
Brighton and Hove |
40% |
0% |
|
Cornwall |
0% |
-44% |
|
Dorchester, Weymouth and Portland |
0% |
-50% |
|
Dorset |
22% |
0% |
|
Eastleigh |
0% |
0% |
|
Greater Manchester (originally by another provider, now Beryl) |
50% |
22% |
|
Guildford |
0% |
0% |
|
Leeds |
143% |
55% |
|
Plymouth |
50% |
40% |
|
Stevenage |
0% |
0% |
|
Worcester |
100% |
0% |
Image: Bailey Burton / Unsplash
More on Transport, Planning and Infrastructure:
£500,000 EV road marking truck is world first from West Yorkshire
UK Government opens consultation on self-driving vehicles law