Members of Liverpool’s successful bike hire scheme, citybike, took part in a special bike ride along the city’s waterfront yesterday (Thursday 14th May) to mark the first anniversary since its launch. Citybike is the biggest cycle hire scheme in the UK, outside London.

During the first year, Liverpool’s citybike users have collectively clocked up more than 313,800 miles and the bikes have been hired over 55,650 times.

There are now 1,000 citybikes in operation, which can be hired from more than 140 stations around the city, from Speke to Kirkdale.  The station outside John Lewis in Liverpool ONE is proving to be the most popular place to hire a citybike.

Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Transport and Climate Change, took part in today’s celebration bike ride. He said:

“It’s clear that citybike has been a huge success during its first year. I’m absolutely delighted that the bikes have been such a big hit with the public.

“We are really fortunate to have such a fantastic initiative in the city and it’s great to see so many people using the bikes on a daily basis, whether they’re cycling to work or just taking a leisurely ride through the city’s parks. I’m sure the bikes will continue to grow in popularity over the coming years.”

It costs from £1 per hour to hire a citybike with subscriptions available for the day, week and year. Annual members get the benefit of the first 30 minutes of every rental free and the process couldn’t be easier. All citybike users have to do is register their details online or by phone to receive a membership number and pin, which is then keyed into any citybike station to release a bike.  Special membership rates are available for students and businesses.

Visit www.citybikeliverpool.co.uk or follow @citybikelpl to find out more about citybike.