More than 1,500 people signed up for the Brighton bikeshare scheme over the first weekend, the operator Hourbike said today (Monday 4 September).
And about 1,700 trips were recorded, with some cycling from the centre of Brighton and Hove out to Rottingdean in the east and Worthing in the west.
The scheme – BTN BikeShare – went live on Friday evening (1 September) at an event featuring those involved in the scheme, cycling enthusiasts and local councillors and officials.
Even in the 24 hours before the official launch some 300 people signed up and went for a ride as they saw hundreds of bikes being left at dozens of docking stations.
Hourbike owner Tim Caswell said: “Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate with us on Friday.
“It was a pleasure to see the Life Bikes introduced to the city by some of its most interesting characters.
“We were delighted to see residents embracing and enjoying the Life Bikes over the weekend.
“Our main focus now is to learn about this city’s riding habits to ensure the scheme runs at its best for the people of Brighton and Hove.”
Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership chief executive Jonathan Sharrock said: “Coast to Capital provided significant funding for the Brighton and Hove bike share scheme which is now providing an excellent green transport option for both residents and visitors to the city and will deliver a multitude of environmental and health benefits.”
The LEP put in £1.16 million of the £1.45 million infrastructure and start-up costs, with Brighton and Hove City Council paying £290,000.
People living, working and visiting Brighton and Hove can find and hire the bikes using an app called SoBi.
They cost 3p a minute to rent with a £1 minimum spend. Annual membership costs £72, which includes an hour of cycling every day.
