BIKE AND ebike hire use doubled during the first week of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games compared to a typical week, it has been revealed.
West Midlands Cycle Hire’s (WMCH) offered residents and visitors to the region a two free 30 minute rides a day as part of traffic busting plans.
WMCH said 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 also clocked up an average distance of 2.76 kilometres per journey.
Other measures introduced to keep the region moving and visitors and athletes 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), which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), in partnership with Birmingham 2022, local councils, West Midlands Police and transport operators.
Adam Tranter, West Midlands cycling and walking commissioner, said: “The WMCH 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 to hear 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.”
Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Our cycle hire scheme has been a phenomenal success so far 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.
“With a total of over 13,000 cycling trips being made so far since the free offer started, it is clear to see that this initiative – along with free public transport for ticket holders – has been incredibly warmly received by the public.”
