Bike-share scheme expansion

Scores of cyclists are taking part in a mass ride through Cardiff to celebrate the expansion of the city’s new University-supported bike-share scheme.

OVObike, the world’s most extensive bike-share operator, is launching an additional 200 bikes and 20 docking stations in Cardiff.
The whole city will get to use the bikes for free for 24 hours on Friday May 25 as part of the official launch.

Some 4,300 miles have already been clocked up on the bikes in Cardiff since a trial scheme with 50 bikes was launched in March.

The scheme’s expansion will be marked with a mass cycle ride on 25 May from The Senedd in Cardiff Bay to Pedal Power in Bute Park, including Cardiff University students, councillors and Welsh Government officials.

The scheme was made possible thanks to backing from Cardiff Council and financial support from Cardiff University and Welsh Government.

Cardiff University Director of Communications and Marketing, Claire Sanders, said: “It’s an innovative scheme for Cardiff that also fits our aspirations to create a more environmentally friendly and sustainable University.

“Our staff and students can apply for free annual membership so we’re supporting a project that will allow them to get around our city easily and at minimal cost.

“As a cycling enthusiast myself I also think it’s important to emphasise some of the benefits of riding a bicycle, such as improved physical fitness and a positive effect on mental health.”

The additional bikes and stations take the total in Cardiff to 250 bikes and 25 stations.

Numbers will then be doubled by the end of August, taking the scheme to full-strength with 500 bikes and 50 stations located around the city.