Closing in on half a million kilometres on Beryl BTN Bikes one year anniversary

Brighton & Hove’s cycle hire scheme is about to reach a huge milestone, a year since its launch.

Almost half a million kilometres have been travelled by users since Beryl BTN Bikes first hit the streets on 31 March 2023. That’s the equivalent of cycling more than 12 times around the earth!

In just 12 months, Beryl BTN Bike users have:

  • Completed more than 146,000 journeys.
  • Replaced nearly 34,000 private vehicle journeys.
  • Saved nearly five tonnes of carbon emissions.
  • Generated nearly 50,000 hours of physical activity.
  • Attracted nearly 40,000 riders to sign up to the scheme.
Two people riding bikes on a road with terraced houses and cars in the background"

Picture: Beryl BTN Bikes

Councillor Trevor Muten, chair of the Transport and Sustainability committee said: “It’s been a really positive first year for Beryl BTN Bikes and we’re now heading into spring and summer with more bikes and hubs than ever before.

“Half a million kilometres is a fantastic milestone and I’m sure we’ll smash the million mark by this time next year.

“I’m very pleased to see Beryl offer a new 100 minute bundle. It’s a great deal for users and means a 10 minute e-bike ride could cost just £1.50. The student discount is also very good news for our university population.

“Beryl BTN Bikes are a great way for people to travel around the city actively and sustainably and strongly support our efforts to improve air quality and reach our Net Zero ambitions.”

New offers

With better weather on the way, Beryl BTN Bikes has launched new offers for riders.

100 minute bundle

For £15, users can get 100 minutes of ride time with no unlocking fees on either pedal or e-bikes.

The 100 minutes are valid for a year from the time and date of purchase.

Student offer

There is also a 25% student discount offer on 2, 7 and 30 day passes currently valid until 31 July 24.

Details of both can be found on the Beryl app and Beryl website under FAQs/Payment & Promotions/Promotions and Discounts.

Scheme expansion

There are now more than 100 hubs around the city where you can hire and drop off your Beryl BTN Bike.

In the last few weeks, we’ve added new hubs in, Queen’s Park Terrace, Graham Avenue, Mile Oak, The Upper Drive, Western Road, Whitehawk Way, Whitehawk Road/Henley Road, Richmond Place, Warren Road, Upper Hollingdean Road, Northease Drive, The Avenue, Bevendean and Auckland Drive.

Several more are being planned, including ones being paid for by Section 106 developer contributions.

Beryl CEO and co-founder, Phil Ellis, said: “It’s true that, by bringing a well-planned, easy-to-use and cost-effective bike share scheme to a large urban area, you break down the barriers to cycling for a lot of people.

“I think the numbers show that our BTN Bikes have achieved that in their first year and, by doing so, have had a positive impact on alleviating traffic congestion, reducing carbon emissions and improving public health.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside our scheme partners Brighton & Hove City Council to build on the scheme’s successful start and encourage even more people to make more sustainable transport choices.”

A busy first year

The relaunched Beryl BTN Bikes scheme launched on 31 March 2023 with 75 e-bikes operating from 19 hubs along the seafront and the corridors connecting it to Brighton and Hove stations.

It steadily increased to 125 bikes during the spring and summer.

In August, 150 new bikes were added to the scheme as well as new pricing options.

By 30 September, the full scheme was rolled out with a total of 780 bikes operating from 82 hubs across the city.

Earlier this year, Beryl BTN Bikes also agreed a sponsorship deal with coconut water company Vita Coco.

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