THE company behind Hereford's Beryl Bikes has issued a major update on its service in the city, with a big change on the way.

Beryl, the company behind the bikes which can be hired and ridden around Hereford, said the scheme will carry on for another five years.

Beryl, which says it's the "UK's leading micromobility provider", said it was successful in a competitive tendering process.

Working with Herefordshire Council, Beryl said it wil also be doubling the number of e-bikes available to users, adding another 30 from September with more on the way after that.

The scheme initially launched in July 2019 with 75 bikes, eventually rising to 200 bikes with an additional 30 e-bikes added in March 2021.

The firm said it has proven to be "very popular" with more than 203,000 journeys being made, covering almost 495,000km.

"This equates to a significant environmental impact, saving 16.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of 1,100,915 kettles boiled or almost 96 flights from London to Edinburgh," a spokesperson said.

"The scheme has also had a significant impact on road congestion, with feedback from users showing that 25.5 per cent of the bike and e-bike journeys in Hereford have replaced road transport journeys – including driving a car/van, being a passenger in a car/van, and using a taxi or riding a motorbike or moped."

Beryl chief executive Phil Ellis said: “We’re obviously delighted that Herefordshire Council have chosen to continue to partner with us in their bid to get people travelling more sustainably, reducing congestion while improving air quality and public health.

“Hereford is a great example of how delivering a range of services can better contribute towards the aims of an integrated transport network.

“Each type of transport has its own benefits and appeals, meaning that when they are delivered as a package, they can complement each other and broaden the appeal of active travel solutions.

“Over the next five years, we will continue to aim to remove the barriers that stop people using sustainable transport and inspire them to give it a try.”

Coun John Harrington, Herefordshire Council cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Beryl for another five years and look forward to the additional e-bikes that will be arriving soon.

"It’s vital that we provide opportunities for as many people as possible to get out and about and enjoy the benefits of healthy, sustainable modes of transport such as cycling. The e-bikes are a joy to ride and encourage nervous or less fit riders to give cycling a go.

“Our fleet of Beryl Bikes are a real asset to the City and are proving hugely successful in helping to promote physical wellbeing and doing a little bit to protect our local environment.”

In line with its status as a B Corporation certified company – recognised for meeting exceptional standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency – Beryl will continue to deliver the scheme with local delivery partners.

This includes local cycling courier solutions company Pedicargo, which distributes the bikes, and community interest company Hereford Cycle Hub, which helps to maintain them.