Boris Bike to be wheeled out in Portsmouth City

Portsmouth City Council have announced details of a new bike-sharing scheme. Later this year Portsmouth residents and visitors will have access to 150 bikes, in an effort to encourage people to swap their car journeys and travel by bike. Public bike sharing company, nextbike, has over 55,000 bikes in over 150 cities. Through the launch of an 18 month trial, Portsmouth is the latest city in the UK to introduce the scheme and joins major cities such as Bath, Cardiff and Coventry to offer residents and visitors affordable access to bikes. Initially the bikes will be available to rent from as little as 8p per day from city centre locations, such as train stations and main shopping areas. Over recent months the council has reviewed a number of service providers to establish the best scheme for the city. Julian Scriven, MD of operator nextbike, said, “We’re delighted to be bringing nextbikes to the people of Portsmouth. “nextbikes are one of the easiest and most affordable modes of transport around, with prices starting from as little as 8p per day. And with the other added benefits, including improving health and reducing congestion, bike-share will be a fantastic addition to the area for residents and tourists alike.” Cyclists rent a nextbike through an app and as the bike has its own central locking system there is no need for a docking station. A session can last as long as is needed, and is charged according to the amount of time the bike is used. Users can apply for membership from £20 a year, or can pay as they go. For more about nextbike and how the bike-hiring scheme works visit their website www.nextbike.co.uk

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