A new e-bike hire scheme is to be rolled out in Guildford to encourage sustainable and green travel as part of a project partnership made up of Surrey County Council, Guildford Borough Council, and the University of Surrey.
Surrey County Council is contributing £1.05 million to help the start-up of the scheme, which will see a pilot phase launch on 18th September linking the university's Stag Hill and Manor Park campuses with Guildford town centre.
Transport operator Beryl has been appointed to deliver the hire scheme with some two hundred e-bikes and forty six bays expected to be in place by the end of October. From spring next year, a full three hundred bikes will be available across fifty six bays, with these bays in the outer areas of the town to complete a comprehensive network.
Commenting, Cllr Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said:
“I’m really pleased that Beryl has been chosen to launch the first e-bike hire scheme in Surrey. It will be a sustainable and affordable way to help people to travel around the whole town and surrounding locations like Jacob’s Well, Merrow and Shalford. We’re contributing more than £1million to help start this scheme which, if successful, we’ll expand to other locations around the county.
“Surrey County Council is investing millions of pounds in highways and transport improvements every year. This will support easier, cleaner travel which will reduce emissions, improve air quality, improve health and wellbeing, and help tackle the climate emergency.”
Professor Bob Nichol, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and University Executive Dean for the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, and Executive Board lead for Sustainability at the University of Surrey, said:
“The University is delighted to support this new e-bike scheme which will provide a cheap and sustainable alternative way of getting around our town.
“For our students and staff, the scheme offers both a convenient and green transport option and also a contribution to health and wellbeing, encouraging access to fresh air and exercise – albeit with a bit of electric oomph to help with Guildford’s many hills.”
The Chief Executive and co-founder of Beryl, Phil Ellis, said:
“Our core aim is to remove the barriers to sustainable travel for as many people as possible, encouraging people out of the car by providing them with a sustainable, convenient, reliable, cost-effective and fun alternative.
“We’re very experienced at delivering schemes with local authority partners and we look forward to working closely with Surrey County Council and with key stakeholders to ensure this scheme provides the best possible service to users.
“By swapping the car for an e-bike journey you’re not only boosting your own health and fitness, you’re also contributing towards reducing congestion and improving regional air quality.”
