Bike hire scheme could be introduced in Borehamwood

Hertsmere Borough Council is looking to introduce a scheme that it says would bring both environmental and health benefits to the borough and its residents.

Members of the public would be able to hire a bike from cycle stations within the town in order to get around in a more sustainable way.

Last night, officers were granted permission by the council's Executive committee to further develop a proposal similar to the 'Boris Bikes' in London or the Beryl Bike hire scheme in Watford.

Beryl Bikes parked up by Watford Junction train station. Credit: Watford Borough Council

It could lead to a cycle hire scheme of around 75 bikes trialled across the whole of Borehamwood for a period of up to four years. If successful, the scheme could be rolled out across the rest of Hertsmere.

In September 2019, the council declared a climate emergency and committed itself to achieving net-zero carbon emissions no later than 2050.

As a part of the climate change and sustainability strategy and action plan, a public bike hire scheme was presented as a potential way to encourage active and sustainable transport and a working group was set up.

The group initiated contact with 15 providers to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a public bike hire scheme and based on the feedback received, two potentially viable approaches were identified.

The recommended approach is for a public focussed scheme, funded by the council and then handed over to an operator to run, for example Beryl Bikes.

Council officers have been liaising specifically with Beryl Bikes, to explore the opportunity of expanding its bike hire scheme from Watford into Borehamwood and Bushey.

Beryl Bike stand in Watford

Although final costings have yet to be confirmed, the recommended approach would comes to an overall cost of £387,500.

At this stage, funding of £175,000 has been secured via the Sky Studios Elstree scheme. The council intends to seek further funding contributions from Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council, Hertfordshire County Council, local employers through sponsorship and advertising, and developers through Section 106 agreements.

At the meeting, executive committee member for the environment, Cllr Seamus Quilty, said: "The benefits (of this scheme) to the health and the environment are very clear.....we are trying to deliver the greenest agenda possible."

Colleague Cllr Caroline Clapper said: "I think this is a great idea, I'm really excited about it. Great for the environment and great for people's health."

Non-executive member and Labour group leader Cllr Jeremy Newmark described the scheme as "great news".

Council officers will now go away and develop a proposal and secure funding before returning to the Executive at a later date with a report on the progress made.