BERYL bikes are now available in more locations as the company announced its scheme was expanding to east Dorset.

The popular bike scheme is now operating in Wimborne, Colehill, West Parley, West Moors and Ferndown, linking up with the existing service in the BCP Council area.

It is being funded through southeast Dorset’s transforming cities fund programme, aimed at reducing congestion, protecting the natural environment and encouraging healthy, active travel across the region.

By providing 122 bikes and more than 50 bays across the area, it is hoped that the scheme will inspire more people to take up sustainable travel, helping to improve air quality and public health.

Beryl chief executive Phil Ellis said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to launch the scheme in Southeast Dorset and, in doing so, enable more people to take advantage of the excellent local cycling infrastructure.

“As with all of our schemes, this scheme has been designed to provide the best possible service for users by being delivered both in partnership with the local authority and in consultation with communities and key stakeholders.”

Cllr Simon Gibson, Dorset Council’s lead member for highways, said: “Setting up the Beryl Bike scheme in Dorset is an exciting opportunity not only to help protect the natural environment, but help people get active and even save money at a time when fuel is so expensive.

“And with local cycling infrastructure currently being developed through our transforming travel programme with BCP Council, there has never been a better time to hop on a bike in East Dorset.”