TENDERING for the Bournemouth and Poole bike share scheme has started, despite operators pulling out of similar schemes in more than half a dozen towns and cities across the country in recent months.

The two councils had hoped to have their ‘Boris bike’ project up and running before this summer but were unable to find a partner to run it.

Now the authorities have put the project back out to tender with the hope of the first bicycles being available in the spring.

The latest move comes despite the withdrawal of bikes from towns and cities including Oxford, and London due to vandalism problems and rising costs.

Last month Chinese firm Mobike announced it was pulling out of its scheme in Manchester due to vandalism and the theft of its bikes, just over a year after it was launched.

Nick Phillips, Poole council’s accessibility team leader said that the councils were pushing ahead with the project for Bournemouth and Poole saying that the issues experienced elsewhere could be “managed”.

“The Borough of Poole and Bournemouth Borough Council remain committed to securing a preferred bike share partner for the conurbation,” he said.

“The easy availability of a fleet of new bikes for instant hire will have clear health benefits for our residents and will assist with tackling local traffic congestion too.

“However, we are aware that bike share is a fast moving and rapidly developing market resulting nationally in expansion in some areas and curtailment in others.

“Our engagement with suppliers showed that in many of the successful UK schemes, issues such as vandalism can be actively and positively managed.

“As part of the tender process we will be evaluating the operators’ responses to this.”

The scheme was announced in April with about 1,000 bikes expected to be provided at pick-up points across the two towns for the public through a mobile app system.

Mr Phillips added: “We are therefore tendering the opportunity this month and following appointment our preferred supplier will potentially be delivering bikes on the street in late Spring 2019.”