A GROUND-breaking scheme that allows Winchester residents to borrow a bicycle free of charge has proved a great success, environment chiefs claim.

The scheme, called Bikeabout, was launched last month in a bid to encourage people to use greener means of travelling around the city to cut pollution.

Anyone can borrow one of the 50 white bicycles being used in the scheme, provided they register first and then return the bikes after they have used them.

So far those in charge of the scheme say it has been very favourably received, with everyone who has signed up commenting on what a good idea the bikes are.

A spokesman for Bikeabout confirmed that about 30 people have already registered to use the bikes, and that up to 20 people are actually using them each day.

Project manager Andy Wren said: "It's picking up, but more people need to be aware of the scheme. We have received many enquiries."

Users must pay a £15 registration fee and receive a cycle helmet, fluorescent jacket and cycle map. The bikes can be picked up from a kiosk outside the city's railway station from 7am-7pm six days a week, and users then have up to 24 hours before returning them to the kiosk.

Transport chiefs hope Bikeabout could be the answer to Winchester's rush-hour traffic nightmare with commuters being asked to consider public transport and then the bikes instead of using cars.

The initiative also comes just months after Winchester was made an air quality management area, meaning air quality in the city is so poor the authorities are being forced to find ways to improve the situation.