Reading consults on new bike scheme

Bike Hire

Reading Borough Council is consulting the market on plans for a new public bike hire scheme, ahead of a procurement getting underway next January.

Reading closed the Readybike hire scheme last March. Operator Hourbike was unable to make the scheme pay. 

The council has just issued a prior information notice (PIN) and associated market consultation for the supply, operation and maintenance of a new scheme. 

Bidders will have flexibility to propose docked or dockless schemes. They will also have freedom to decide the geographical area of coverage, including extending into neighbouring West Berkshire and Wokingham councils, and other public and private sector organisations within their areas, subject to their support.  

The provider will have the flexibility to use the existing infrastructure of 29 docking stations and 200 bicycles. 

Reading says it will look to support the cycle hire scheme with in-kind resources, such as officer time. It will not provide any revenue support for the operation.