Posted by 
Preston could support a cycle hire scheme, a new report has concluded.
A document prepared for Preston City Council indicates the city has ‘favourable demographics for a scheme’.
Produced by Cenex Consultancy as part of the city’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund spending the report says it is likely the city council would need to work with an external organisation to deliver it.
Read more: Walking and cycling Broadgate CYLOPS junction opens
They state the city council would struggle to raise the necessary capital and revenue funding – so working with either a local organisation or an existing national or global cycle hire provider would be needed.
Cycle hire schemes are operational in towns and cities with ‘similar attributes to Preston’ according to the report, which cost £20,000 to produce.
Cenex go on to state e-scooter bike hire is not permissible in the UK but in other countries adding e-bikes and scooters into the mix makes cycle hire schemes more successful.
Julie Ridley, co-ordinator of Preston Pedals – an organisation who promote cycling in the city, said she was pleased the report had supported their views a cycle hire scheme could work in Preston.
She told Blog Preston: “We were involved in the consultation last year about a cycle hire scheme for Preston so its good to hear there’s a report coming out and interest in such an initiative.
“There’s a lot to think about putting a cycle hire scheme into practice in Preston but the right scheme could really help link up different parts of the city and encourage more people to jump onto two wheels instead of four.
“It could also help integrate our transportation systems, including between the bus station and the train station. There are lots of benefits to getting more people on bikes, not just for individuals’ health and wellbeing but also for community wellbeing and our environment – we all want to live in cleaner, healthier cities don’t we?
“Preston Pedals supports more people on bikes through bike repair sessions in local communities and small group led rides as well as our soon to be launched e-bike tours, and a City bike hire scheme could potentially see even more people on bikes.”
The report is being considered by the city council ‘internally’ before any further movement on exploring a scheme is confirmed.
A spokesperson for the city council said the report would be publicly released in due course and the council’s position made clear.
Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
