CYCLISTS in Hereford are being offered free rides on the city's Beryl Bikes in the run-up to Christmas.

The festive initiative, which allows riders to take advantage of 30 minutes of free cycling started in November, and 1235 free rides have already been used.

The free rides will continue to be available from 4pm to midnight on Wednesdays, and all day Saturday and Sunday.

The winter promotion has been brought in to encourage local and sustainable shopping in the run-up to Christmas.

To redeem the offer riders need to download the Beryl app and unlock a bike. There will be no unlock fee and the first 30 minutes of the ride will be free.

Riders can then enjoy a ride around Hereford and park in one of the 39 bays throughout the city or in a considerate location. A convenience fee of £2 will apply for out of bay parking.

Since their introduction, Hereford's Beryl Bikes have covered over 45,000 kilometres.

There are now 188 bikes and 39 parking bays distributed throughout the city.