Beryl to deliver Surrey’s first e-bike share scheme

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “I’m really pleased that Beryl has been chosen to launch the first e-bike hire scheme in Surrey. It will be a sustainable and affordable way to help people to travel around the whole town and surrounding locations like Jacob’s Well, Merrow and Shalford. We’re contributing more than £1million to help start this scheme which, if successful, we’ll expand to other locations around the county.

“Surrey County Council is investing around £60m in highways and transport improvements over the next five years. This will support easier, cleaner travel which will reduce emissions, improve air quality, improve health and wellbeing, and help tackle the climate emergency.”

Guildford Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Environment and Climate Change, Cllr George Potter, said: “We’re very pleased to be joining up with Surrey County Council and the University of Surrey to help fund the launch of this brilliant scheme. Tackling the climate emergency is a key priority for us, and giving people greener alternatives to travelling by car is an important part of this given that transport accounts for 51 per cent of carbon emissions in our borough. 

“I’m particularly pleased that we are partnering with a scheme operator which has B Corp sustainability certification and that the new scheme will reach far beyond the town centre, with the opportunity to hopefully expand it further in the future if it proves successful."

Beryl is the UK’s leading shared sustainable transport provider, championing greener travel options to help reduce road congestion and improve air quality and public health. A  B Corp home-grown operator, it builds and fixes its own bikes and technology in the UK, contributing to the nation’s industry through supply chains and job creation. 

Beryl CEO and co-founder, Phil Ellis, said: “Our core aim is to remove the barriers to sustainable travel for as many people as possible, encouraging people out of the car by providing them with a sustainable, convenient, reliable, cost-effective and fun alternative.

“We’re very experienced at delivering schemes with local authority partners and we look forward to working closely with Surrey County Council and with key stakeholders to ensure this scheme provides the best possible service to users.

“By swapping the car for an e-bike journey you’re not only boosting your own health and fitness, you’re also contributing towards reducing congestion and improving regional air quality.”