Lead paragraph
Implementation of a cycle hire scheme for the entire Stevenage borough that is open to all, with cycles available for hire in public places at all times, with little or no notice required to join.
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TR3Implement a borough-wide cycle hire scheme
Progress
On time
- Discussion
- Not started
- Initial scoping
- Planning stage
- Underway
- Continuous
Description
While transport is the biggest source of greenhouse gases in the UK, cycling is one of the most popular sustainable transport options to eliminate the carbon emissions and reduce air pollution. As a New Town, Stevenage was designed with a substantial cycleway network and has over 23 miles of cycleways, making it one of the best towns in the UK for travelling by bicycle.
Stevenage Cycle Map - find your routes and your nearest bike rack.
Despite the good cycle network, research shows that in Stevenage the split for travelling to work is around 68% by car, 3% by cycle and 11% by foot.
To encourage more people to take up the active modes of travel, the council has proposed and implemented a borough wide cycle hire scheme. The schemes objectives are to:
- Encourage a change in the way we use local transport by providing an efficient complement to public transport.
- Offer an alternative to driving for short trips, reducing congestion and air pollution.
- Make cycle share available to the public at low cost.
- Improve access to jobs, education, and amenities with “first/last mile” connectivity.
- Increased number of people cycling, leading to improved health and wellbeing.
Project Milestones
- Project scope: October 2022.
- Assess market interest: August 2023.
- Public consultation: August 2023.
- Stevenage Cycle Hire Business and Community events: September 2023.
- Invitation to tender: October 2023.
- Scheme launch: October 2024.
The Council is pleased to confirm the contract for the implementation of the borough-wide cycle hire scheme was awarded to Beryl Bikes.
The map below shows all the existing Beryl bays in Stevenage
Click here for the live information on bikes availability
Read more
Tasks
What are we doing?
- 2027
Monitor the cycle hire scheme
Following the reintroduction of the scheme, as of early 2026 the vast majority of bikes have been repaired, and all bays are now fully operational. The Council has also established regular meetings with Beryl Bikes to monitor cycle hire operations and suggest potential improvements.
What has been done?
- 31/12/2025
Cycle hire scheme re-launch
The scheme has been re-launched following a temporary pause to address vandalism. It initially resumed with a reduced fleet of 60 bikes and 19 parking bays, focusing on the town centre vicinity. The reintroduction of bikes was gradual, with the aim of reaching full operating capacity, including an expanded fleet and service area.
- 01/10/2024
Stevenage's cycle hire scheme launch
The Council, in partnership with Beryl Bikes, launched a scheme comprising 150 e-bikes available to hire from a network of 45 bays. The scheme is operated by Beryl on behalf of the Council. It has been funded in part by funding awarded to Stevenage as part of UK Government’s Towns Fund, through the Stevenage Development Board, as well as contributions from developers as part of Section 106 agreements. Further information: Beryl Bikes Stevenage.
- 15/08/2024
Agree positioning of bays with HCC Highways and other stakeholders
Bays locations and scheme layout agreed by the Council with key stakeholders.
- 31/03/2024
Agree scheme funding and phasing
Scheme funding agreed from from SBC, developers (Section 106), HCC, and the UK Government's Towns Fund.
- 04/12/2023
Tender for the cycle hire scheme
Formal tender for providers to deliver a cycle hire scheme in the town.
Summary and contacts
Timeline
04/12/2023 → Continuous
Responsible organisations
Information updated 13/01/2026