So-called ‘Boris Bikes’ are to be launched in Northampton, it has been revealed.
Northamptonshire County Council has announced that rental bikes will be placed across Northampton for people to hire for journeys across the town.
The scheme will be similar to that pioneered by Boris Johnson in London.
The leader of Northamptonshire County Council, Councillor Jim Harker (Con, Kettering Rural) said: “This sort of scheme, which was pioneered in London, has proved enormously popular and makes a huge difference in easing congestion and associated pollution on our roads.
“I’m very excited about seeing a similar initiative in Northampton and it fulfils one of our key ambitions for a cleaner, greener and healthier county.
“I’m delighted that we’re able to work with colleagues at the Borough Council and I’m confident together we can create a scheme that will really benefit the town.”
The rental bikes will be based at the University of Northampton’s campus in Boughton Green Road, Northampton’s railway station, the entrance to Becket’s Park, the Skatepark in Bedford Road, on the Brackmills Industrial Estate and at Northampton’s new bus station.
People who are members of the scheme will be abler to take a bike by entering a pin number, returning it when they have completed their journey.
Charges will vary depending on the length of the journey.
The leader of Northampton Borough Council, Councillor David Mackintosh (Con, Rectory Farm) said: “Cycle-hire schemes are very popular and introducing one in Northampton will bring the healthy benefits of cycling, improve the environment for local residents as well as attracting more visitors to the town.
“Working with the county council we are exploring how the scheme will operate, the best locations for docking stations in Northampton and how it could get people cycling more safely and more often.”
Work is currently being carried out to finalise the details of the scheme.
The bikes will be available for hire later this year.