UPDATE! Council backs cycle hire study

3.02.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 2nd Jul 2008

Last week the City Council backed Lib Dem plans to investigate having an on-street cycle hire scheme in Norwich.

Cllr Judith Lubbock outlines why she thinks it is a good idea:

"I am pleased that the City Council have backed Liberal Democrat plans and are to undertake a feasibility study into an on street cycle hire scheme for Norwich.

Apart from promoting cycling, and its health benefits to the individual and to the environment, a hire scheme could be a steeping stone to cycling for those not currently owning a bike. It could also help tackle congestion in the city to the benefit of cyclists, pedestrians and drivers.

Although many European cities have hire schemes there are also examples in this country. Schemes which are easy to install using existing cycle racks and mobile phones to activate the hire or those that need new infrastructure and depend solely on advertising to run them.

Whatever the scheme I am delighted that the council has seen the importance of promoting cycling in Norwich along with the soon to be implemented 20 mph speed limit in all residential streets. Both these Liberal Democrat proposals go a long way to achieving sustainable transport and making our residential streets safer for all. If businesses want to do their bit for sustainable transport perhaps they would consider contributing to such a scheme for their workforce or sponsorship in terms of advertising.

Let's hope that in a year's time we might see hire bikes at the Hospital and Research Park, City Centre, Thorpe Station and Broadland Business Park - it would at least be a start.

For more information on one type of scheme see www.oybike.com"