WORCESTER is set to benefit from a public bike hire scheme which is due to be rolled out next year.

Cllr Lynn Denham, co-leader of Worcester City Council, said that the contract for the scheme should be awarded by October and the bike hire scheme should be in action by Spring 2024.

Public bike hire schemes such as Santander Cycles in London and West Midlands Cycle Hire have been established in areas across the UK.

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Worcester News: Cllr Lynn Denham, co-leader of Worcester City Council.Cllr Lynn Denham, co-leader of Worcester City Council. (Image: Labour Party)

Cllr Denham said that the council is working on the scheme, and was optimistic about its success. 

She said: "As Worcester City Council, we have funding and are in the process of introducing a public bike hire scheme.

"I think this will be a real asset for the city, and we can learn from other areas that have had similar bike hire schemes about what will make it successful.

"This will be a huge boost for active travel in the city."

Cllr Denham also confirmed that the scheme will not involve e-scooters, only bikes.

Not much is known at this stage how the scheme would work, but other schemes across the UK have both docking and dockless options.

Dan Brothwell, of Bike Worcester, said he was massively behind the scheme and welcomed the news.

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Worcester News: Dan Brothwell, of Bike Worcester.Dan Brothwell, of Bike Worcester. (Image: Newsquest)

He said: "I am aware this has been happening behind the scenes and I think it is a brilliant thing for the city, fitting in with what we are trying to do at Bike Worcester.

"I think it is wise to study where else the schemes have worked and have failed before this gets underway. For it to take off I think we need a lot more designated routes for cyclists to follow, especially through the city centre where there currently isn't any.

"It would also be crucial to work out what the bikes are most likely to be used for ahead of the scheme, such as leisure and commuting."

"Allowing for cycling in the city centre during the day would also be crucial I think for the scheme to work."

Bike Worcester is a group promoting safe and accessible cycling in Worcester.