Thousands more hire bikes in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Cycle Hire has reported a growth of 119 per cent since last September, as more folk take to two wheels and pedal-power.

Edinburgh's cycle hire scheme is proving a big hit

The scheme has seen an exponential growth over the past year, with average trips per day up 46 per cent.

The Just Eat bikes were launched in 2018 and have become a big hit across the city with their simple to use app that allows pedestrians to grab a bike from any of the stations across the city.

This year, the company has added another 75 hire stations across the city – focusing on Areas which were previously not serviced by Edinburgh Cycle Hire as part of their scheme to extend the cycling network across the whole of the city.

Taking the scenic route - on two wheels

There are more than 34,00 new people using the Just Eat bikes, bringing the total number up to 57,000.

George Lowder, Chief Executive of Transport for Edinburgh, said: “What makes this performance truly outstanding is that this growth encompasses a period when the country was in lockdown, with homeworking, no Festivals and few visitors in the city. The people of Edinburgh have embraced cycling.”

However, theft and vandalism of the bikes continues to be a problem for the service. With bikes being stolen and hire points being damaged. Edinburgh Cycle Hire is working to build infrastructure to deter this behaviour, but it remains a challenge to implementing an accessible form of public transport for the city.

Chief Inspector Neil Wilson said: “Police Scotland has been working in close partnership with Edinburgh Cycle Hire to address vandalism of their infrastructure. We have undertaken crime prevention surveys of hire stations throughout the city and we will support the ECHS in the implementation of enhanced security measures.”

In March Edinburgh Cycle Hire took ownership of an additional 68 ebikes through eBike Grant Fund, delivered by Energy Saving Trust and funded by Transport Scotland.

During the summer Edinburgh Cycle Hire, in partnership with Sustrans and funding from Transport Scotland responded to the Covid-19 pandemic by providing free passes to NHS Workers to support them with their essential work.

Cllr Lesley Mcinnes, Transport Convener for Edinburgh City Council said the scheme ‘is a vital part of the city’s sustainable transport network’.

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