AFTER a failed attempt to try the bikes last week, Worcester News reporter Matt Taylor decided to get back in the saddle and try out Worcester's new Beryl Bikes. 

Fortunately this time the only bumps in the road were due to the paths through Worcester Woods.

Almost two weeks after the Beryl e-bike initiative officially debuted in the city, it was time to try Worcester's latest travel scheme out for myself.

This wasn't the first time I had tried to take out a bike - my first was derailed after there were no bikes in the nearest bay and the second bay had one damaged cycle.

The bikes were introduced on Monday, June 17 in partnership with Worcester City Council, with a large network of 53 Beryl Bays installed across the city to house 175 e-bikes and 50 pedal bikes.

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With the sun shining, my lunch break felt like the perfect opportunity to try these bikes out again - and conveniently, I had a fully-stocked Beryl Bay just a few yards away.

Bays can be found through the Beryl app, which is easy to download and get set up on. From there, users can source an active bay and once they arrive, unlock their bike of choice through the app. 

The cost to unlock an e-bike is a flat rate of £1, and then Beryl charges 16p per minute - though there are bundles that are ideal for frequent users of the scheme.

I was well aware of the £10 fine for any user who doesn't leave their bike in a bay.

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Whilst I was stationary, I accidentally pulled the locking lever shut, ending my ride and a £10 fine was quickly handed out.

Undeterred and with the sun on my back, I headed along Spetchley Road and to Worcester Woods to see if my Beryl e-bike could handle all kinds of terrain, and it passed with flying colours.

What impressed me the most was how effortless it felt.

The e-bike was in good condition, including its brakes and tyres, and once you start pedalling and the electric power kicks in - the difference is very noticeable.

It was my first experience on an e-bike, and I can easily imagine people using the scheme to make a quick commute from Worcester's suburbs and outskirts into the city centre.