Sponsors are currently being sought for one of the most popular cycle hire schemes outside of London

Liverpool’s citybike initiative was launched in 2014 and has proved hugely popular, with nearly 150,000 rentals to date, more than 30,000 subscriptions and around 18,000 unique users travelling an estimated 700,000 miles.

There are 1,000 of the recognisable green bikes in action, which can be hired from 140 stations around the city – with the station at Vine Court by the University of Liverpool currently being the most popular.

The city council is now looking for businesses to sponsor the successful scheme in order to develop the citybike offer in the future.  The sponsor will also be supporting the city’s aim to become the most active core city in England by 2021.

Liverpool City Council’s Director for Regeneration, Nick Kavanagh, said:

“This is a relatively new initiative, so to be this successful in less than two years is a real achievement, and just goes to show there is a real appetite from residents and visitors to get around the city using sustainable transport. It’s a simple scheme to be part of, and the user-friendly bikes make it easy for people to travel round the city, whether you’re a commuter, tourist or out for the day with the family. We are looking for an organisation which can invest in citybike and help us take the scheme to the next level and at the same time champion cycling and a healthy, active lifestyle in Liverpool.”

Any business who would like more information on the scheme or would like to discuss potential sponsorship opportunities, should contact on lesley.beattie@liverpool.gov.uk or 0151 233 0177. The deadline for expressions of interest is 9.30am Monday 6 June.

Citybike information:

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.