Now more residents have the chance to explore Biggleswade and its Green Wheel, following the launch of our new cycle project. We have partnered with Central Bedfordshire Council to offer a new cycle hire scheme for Biggleswade residents through cycle hire company App-Bike. The initiative is supported by Bigglewade Town Council, who gave permission for use of their sites.
Twelve bicycles are now docked at five locations across the town, which are available for residents to hire at any time. This makes it easier than ever to hop on a bike and explore.
People can simply register as an App-bike user to find, use and unlock a bike using their mobile phones. To end the hire, bikes are then returned to any of the hubs. The hubs are in the following places across Biggleswade:
- Dan Albone car park
- Saxon Pool and Leisure Centre
- Kings Reach shops
- Biggleswade Train station
- Grasmere Road
Users can choose from a pay as you go tariff – at £1.50 per hour – or a £5.00 monthly membership offering two hours free hire each day, then £1.00 per hour thereafter. Each bicycle features three-speed internal gearing, dynamo lighting, internal braking system, front carrier (for loads of up to 5kg), puncture resistant tyres and an enclosed chainguard system.
Cliff Andrews, Beds RCC Deputy CEO said:
We are excited to be part of this project which is a great addition to the town. This project is an extension of our work in creating the Biggleswade Green Wheel and we are so pleased to now be able to provide a way for more people enjoy it and benefit their physical and mental wellbeing.
Cllr Tracey Wye, Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience said:
Biggleswade has played an important part in the development of the bicycle as we know it today, so it’s fantastic to continue this tradition with the launch of this new cycle-hire scheme. With App-Bike, residents can enjoy the numerous benefits of cycling. Not only does it provide an efficient way to get around, but it also promotes a healthy and active lifestyle. Cycling reduces traffic congestion, lowers air pollution, and helps mitigate the impact of carbon emissions on our environment. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity, improve accessibility. Together, we can create a greener, healthier and more connected town.
Cllr Mark Foster, Mayor of Biggleswade Town council said:
I am really pleased with the launch of App-Bike, our new cycle hire scheme in partnership with BRCC and Central Bedfordshire Council. This initiative, fully supported by Biggleswade Town Council, offers residents a convenient and sustainable way to explore our town and Green Wheel. By promoting cycling, we encourage an active lifestyle while reducing congestion and pollution as well as creating a greener, healthier and more connected town for everyone in Biggleswade.
The project will also link with Beds RCC’s social prescribing service, which works one-to-one with local residents to help them improve their health and wellbeing. In Biggleswade, this includes working with patients referred from the local surgeries and from the Community Mental Health Team. During the pilot, Beds RCC will subsidise the hire cost of the scheme for some our social prescribing clients, enabling more people to take advantage of the scheme to boost their physical and mental health.
Find out more about App Bike and how to download the app here.