Issue - meetings

This report outlines a case for a full city-wide trial of a public cycle hire scheme within York.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree to:

(i)           The general principle of introducing a public cycle hire scheme within York;

(ii)          Give approval for Officers to undertake further development of a business model for a scheme, including seeking external sources of funding and tendering for a potential provider;

(iii)        Receive a further report at a future Cabinet meeting setting out the full financial implications and potential funding sources, and further consider at that point the introduction of a full city wide trial of a public cycle hire scheme for 24 months.

REASON:           To continue to promote cycling within York as a sustainable transport option and offer a low-cost alternative to private transport for short journeys.  This would be primarily aimed at residents of the city and its suburbs, but would also appeal to commuters as well as some visitors. 

The Cabinet considered a report which outlined the case for a full city-wide trial of a public cycle hire scheme within York, prepared following examination of other city schemes. This provision would work towards providing a long-term legacy for the city and reinforce York’s position as lead Cycling City in the region.

Discussions were at present being held with potential stakeholders. It was confirmed that, if sponsorship was secured for a cycle hire scheme, the set up costs to roll out a full city-wide initiative would be significantly reduced. It had also been suggested that any trial should be undertaken on a comparable level to estimate future demand. Further information on charging and the location of the docking stations and number of bikes were reported at paragraphs 27 to 29 and Annex A.

The costs associated with the set up were provided at paragraph 30. With information on the proposed phased approach for the trial scheme and consultation undertaken at paragraphs 38 and 39.

The Cabinet Member referred to this gap in the cities cycle hire scheme which this proposal sought to address.

Consideration was then given to the following options:

Option A – Give approval for Officers to undertake a tendering exercise with interested companies which would establish the costs associated with undertaking a full city-wide trial for 24 months, delivered in it’s entirety by a third-party.  Secondly, secure corporate sponsorship and/or any other potential external funding of the scheme to offset some of the revenue costs to the Council.  Return to Cabinet at a future date to present the outcome of this exercise with a conditional view to awarding the tender and the full roll out of a scheme.

Option B – To not have a cycle hire scheme for York due to the recognised limitations that have been experienced in other towns/cities.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree to:

(i)           The general principle of introducing a public cycle hire scheme within York;

(ii)          Give approval for Officers to undertake further development of a business model for a scheme, including seeking external sources of funding and tendering for a potential provider;

(iii)        Receive a further report at a future Cabinet meeting setting out the full financial implications and potential funding sources, and further consider at that point the introduction of a full city wide trial of a public cycle hire scheme for 24 months. ^1.

REASON:           To continue to promote cycling within York as a sustainable transport option and offer a low-cost alternative to private transport for short journeys.  This would be primarily aimed at residents of the city and its suburbs, but would also appeal to commuters as well as some visitors.