A NEW bike sharing scheme has been launched in Southampton.

Called ‘Beryl Bikes by Breeze’, the initiative will allow residents to hire normal and electric bikes to ease congestion in the city.

Riders aged 16 and over can hire bikes through a new app, Breeze, which will let people hire Beryl and Voi electric scooters – given a trial extension until November.

The scheme, which also runs in Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, is formed by Solent Transport, local councils and Beryl, and is funded by the Department for Transport.

It aims to reduce congestion and CO2 emissions, improve air quality and inspire healthy and affordable travel choices across the Solent region.

Starting with an initial pool of 200 pedal bikes and 235 electric bikes, it will increase to a fleet of more than 1,000 bikes across the region by spring of next year.

Cllr Eamonn Keogh, Cabinet Member for Transport and District Regeneration at Southampton City Council, said: “This is a significant step for Southampton in tackling congestion and air pollution.

“Increasing the number of journeys being taken by bike is one of the five themes of the council’s Green City Plan 2030 and will help us meet the Government’s requirements for increasing active travel.

“Beryl Bikes by Breeze will help people enjoy using the Southampton Cycle Network safely and with more cycle lane infrastructure planned as part of the Southampton City Region Transforming Cities Fund, there has never been a better time to cycle in Southampton.”

Users can choose to pay-as-you-ride (£1 unlock fee + 5p per minute for bikes, £1.50 unlock fee + 10p per minute for e-bikes).

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