Green light for Boris-style bikes

John Dickens • Published 22 Jul 2012 10:30 5 Comments

RESIDENTS and workers will be able to cycle around town for a quid-a-go with Slough's version of the Boris Bikes scheme.

A pilot Slough Cycle Hire scheme will see 120 bikes available to rent at six points across the town, including Slough, Langley and Burnham train stations.

The scheme, modelled on the one introduced in London by the capital's Mayor, Boris Johnson, will be ready for spring 2013 and offers the 'cheapest option of transport'.

It will be provided by energy-saving company Anesco in partnership with eco-charity Groundwork Thames Valley (GTV).

Councillors backed the proposals at a cabinet meeting at Chalvey Community Centre, in The Green, on Monday.

Tim Knight, director of development and innovation at GTV, said: "Businesses can save costs and cut back on money spent on shuttle buses.

"From a corporate perspective there is already demand for more than we are starting on."

The developers are looking to secure corporate investment to fund the project start up costs and have held talks with O2, Mars and SSE for sponsorship.

A social enterprise partnership, to train youngsters via apprenticeships, will be used to maintain the bikes.

Ben Hart, energy efficiency analyst, said: "We need to have enough bikes on the start scheme - just to get that impact - but, if there is a lot of interest from businesses, the scheme can be expanded."

The cycles would cost £1 to hire and customers can pay on debit or credit cards. If the bike was used for more than an hour further charges would be added.

Councillor Rob Anderson, leader of Slough Borough

Council, said: "London has an unbelievable number of people cycling.

"It's not just people on Boris Bikes, but more people using their own cycles. This scheme will encourage people to cycle."

The council is looking to provide a suitable facility for repairs and management of the scheme.

Cllr Wayne Strutton added: "We need to make bikes brighter and more visible - this is about people's safety."

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Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

• 

  sospel
  8 posts
  Jul 22, 19:30
  Report comment

  I hope this is well thought out. Stoke Poges Lane for example had expensive cycle lanes laid down but from day 1 they were blocked by parked cars and no apparent action taken.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 3     No 0

• 

  JUDGE1066
  265 posts
  Jul 22, 23:55
  Report comment

  The cycles would cost £1 to hire and customers can pay on debit or credit cards. If the bike was used for more than an hour further charges would be added.
  
  So let me get this right, the first hour is a pound, after an hour you get charged more, I'm sure people won't using them for the day lol, it'd be cheaper getting a cab, not enough proper functional and safe cycle lanes in Slough, I'm all for progress, however I think the demographics are wrong for this to work in Slough, you can work that out for yourself :-)
  
  Recommend?   Yes 3     No 2

• 

  Leshac
  11 posts
  Jul 24, 08:13
  Report comment

  A reliable information you have listed here. I like your way to describe. This is the stuff I was finding for a long time Thank you for being there.
  
  Business Directory
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  smith69
  3 posts
  Jul 29, 18:14
  Report comment

  They will just get pinched by the local inbreds.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 3     No 0

• 

  JUDGE1066
  265 posts
  Aug 2, 00:27
  Report comment

  They will just get pinched by the local inbreds.
  
  lol you know Slough so well!
  
  Recommend?   Yes 1     No 0

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