Free bikes and ebikes doubles usage during Commonwealth Games
Free use of bikes and ebikes during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games saw a doubling in their uptake during the first week of the scheme.
Implemented by West Midlands Cycle Hire (WMCH) to help manage traffic congestion during the Games, the offer saw over 13,000 cycles hired during the first seven days, which is over 6,500 more than was hired the prior week. Riders clocked up an average distance of 2.76 kilometres per journey.
Under the cycle hire offer, anyone over 16 who signs up for WMCH via the Beryl app could ride a bike or eBike for 30 minutes twice a day free of charge – whether or not they were attending a Birmingham 2022 venue. WMCH has 1,500 bikes for hire across the region, including 150 eBikes and more than 200 docking stations.
Other measures to keep the region moving and ensure both visitors and athletes could get to venues on time included free spectator shuttle buses and extra public transport services.
The wide-ranging plans were developed by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), in partnership with the Games, local councils, West Midlands Police and transport operators.
Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said, “Our cycle hire scheme has been a phenomenal success and it brings me great pride to see so many people opting for active travel to visit sporting events and enjoy everything that the West Midlands has to offer this summer.”
Adam Tranter, West Midlands cycling & walking commissioner added, “The West Midlands Cycle Hire scheme has become a key part of our sustainable transport network and allows us to help tackle the climate emergency while also giving people a unique way to travel around the city.
“I’m so pleased that we have successfully enabled so many people to opt for active travel to visit events in the region this summer. Along with new infrastructure as part of our future plans for the region, I hope it’ll persuade more to make a permanent switch to cycling in the near future.”