Just Eat Cycles launches in Edinburgh

Bike hire scheme Just Eat Cycles has been launched in Edinburgh.

The first 19 locations where you can pick up a bike include Bristo Square, Waverley Bridge, Fountainbridge, Stockbridge, Charlotte Square and Ocean Terminal.

Users can hire bikes through an annual membership on a daily basis using the app Just Eat Cycles, and bikes can be returned to any cycle hire point at any time, with the closest available stations shown in the app.

George Lowder, chief executive of Transport for Edinburgh, said: "It’s a very proud moment to see Just Eat Cycles officially operational and the public riding the bikes.

"Our vision is for a far-reaching scheme which will attract a broad range of residents, visitors, commuters and students to cycling.

"We’re delighted with the enthusiasm shown so far by Edinburgh natives and can’t wait to see the bikes in action on a daily basis in the city.

"I am also hugely grateful to the whole activation team for all their hard work to get us to this point."

The scheme was officially launched by Mark Beaumont, who rode a Just Eat Cycles bike from the City Chambers to Middle Meadow Walk.

At the launch, he said: "Launching Just Eat Cycles is an exciting step for Edinburgh and the people who live, visit and study here.

"The app is very simple to use and the bikes will allow everyone to explore our great city."

Serco worked with Edinburgh Council, The University of Edinburgh and private landowners to create a network of hire points across the city, and further points will be added across Edinburgh in a rolling programme.

The Pashley bikes will feature high-quality Shimano gears and brakes, a gel saddle, front and rear LED lights, full-length mudguards, puncture resistant tyres and a step-through frame allowing ease-of-use for all cyclists.

They are also equipped with Norwegian firm Urban Sharing’s smart technology, including a built-in GPS and GSM capability enabling anonymised real-time communication between the bike and back office control systems.

Charles Graham, general manager of Just Eat Cycles, said: "We’re delighted to now share Just Eat Cycles with the people of Edinburgh.

"We’re confident that the scheme will offer users a convenient and enjoyable alternative mode of transport for exploring the city and get more people out and about on two wheels."

The three-year concession agreement between Transport for Edinburgh and Serco will deliver a total of 1,000 manual bikes by the end of December 2018.