Agenda item

The Cabinet is requested to resolve:

(a)  That the pilot Slough Cycle Hire scheme for the borough be approved and that the Council work closely with local businesses to ensure sustainability of the scheme.

(b)  That discussions proceed with local businesses and our partners Anesco and Groundwork Thames Valley for the introduction of a cycle hire scheme in Slough.

The Cabinet was introduced to Ben Hart (Energy Efficiency Analyst) of Anesco and Tim Knight (Director of Development & Innovation) of Groundwork Thames Valley who presented proposals for a Bike Hire Scheme in Slough, a vision which had been created by the Climate Change Sub-Group of the Local Strategic Partnership.  The Scheme was to cover six sites initially and provide 120 bikes with hire points at all three railway stations and strategic points across the Borough.  The project was to be delivered in three stages, the first being the designing of each site, followed by the supply and installation costs, and finally the on-going operation and maintenance costs and it was anticipated that the scheme would be up and running by April 2013.  The Cabinet was advised that upon consultation cycle groups in Slough supported the scheme but had emphasised the need for improved infrastructure.

Commissioners voiced support for the scheme, particularly having regard to the environmental and health benefits of cycling and requested that officers ensured that the payment method for hiring the bikes would allow all members of the public to access the scheme.

Resolved -

(a)  That the pilot Slough Cycle Hire scheme for the borough be approved and that the Council work closely with local businesses to ensure sustainability of the scheme.

(b)  That discussions proceed with local businesses and partners Anesco and Groundwork Thames Valley for the introduction of a cycle hire scheme in Slough.