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Nottingham has opened a bike hire scheme, promising expansion through 2013, offering 17 docks across the city.
ThisIsNottingham reports that the black and green bikes will be available free of charge to those who own a ‘Kangaroo Travel Card’ and will come at a cost of £2 per week for others.
RideWise instructor Adrain Juffs was one of the first to put the new bikes to the test, saying of the build: "They’re great for what they’re designed to do. You’ve got big, flat seats which are good for people who are not used to cycling, they have three gears, lights and locks. It’s not much money at all, it’s very cheap."
With racks already in place at Wollaton Park and Nottingham Castle, users are free to begin using the bikes right away – which as opposed to locking into the docks, come with their own lock for use around the city. 100 bikes are currently in place, with a further 250 expected through 2013 as the scheme expands.
The scheme is said to have cost £350,000 and been entirely funded by the Department for Transport. The estimated £50,000 a year maintenance bill is to be footed by Nottingham City Council.
For more information, see here.
There’s more on the expanding city bike hire phenomenon here.
