Bike share for New Forest

The UK’s first large-scale rural bike share scheme looks set to be built in the New Forest. The scheme, due to start in April 2015, will initially comprise around 20 docking stations and around 250 bikes.

The stations will be located close to public transport links, tourist attractions and accommodation in the south-east of the Hampshire national park.

The New Forest National Park Authority is working with consultant Atkins to develop a procurement strategy and specification for the scheme. James Datson, senior consultant at Atkins, says: “The project will support existing cycle hire providers and offer further opportunities to increase cycling among the 13.5m visitors to the New Forest each year.”

Funding for the scheme will come from the £17m Department for Transport grant to boost cycling levels in national parks.

To find out more about the project visit the Atkins stand at Cycle City.