A NEW e-bike hire scheme could see docking stations in key sites through the district, including the new Darley Street Market, Bradford Royal Infirmary and the Leeds/Liverpool canal.

Bradford Council recently announced it was planning to set up an e-bike hire scheme through the district, which would be funded by cash raised through the district’s Clean Air Zone.

It would be similar to a bike hire scheme that has been implemented in Leeds.

A new report has now revealed more information about the plans, including the potential locations of docking stations where people could pick up and drop off the bikes.

It also acknowledges that there is a risk of “theft and vandalism” and that the scheme will not be able to cover every part of the Bradford district.

The scheme will initially be trialled for 18 months, and involve 150-200 e-bikes and between 15 and 20 docking stations.

Bradford Council’s Executive will decide whether to move ahead with the plans at a meeting on Tuesday, and a report to members says: “While the final locations of docking stations will be determined following the procurement of a scheme operator and ongoing discussions with key partners and Highways, it is considered likely that stations will be placed to cover key trip origins and destinations in the main urban area.

“These include the pocket park in front of Bradford Interchange, Forster Square Station, Darley Street Market, key City of Culture venues, university, college, Bradford Royal Infirmary and our three main Cycle Superhighways (to Leeds, Shipley/Saltaire and West Bradford).

“Additionally, docking stations in line with tourist destinations and City of Culture venues will be considered, including Lister Park, Bingley 5-Rise Locks, Haworth, and East Riddlesden Hall (Keighley).

“The geographic spread of docking stations is not likely to cover the whole district due to the logistics of maintaining the scheme.”

The report also gives more detail on how the scheme will be run, saying: “The proposed scheme will be monitored and evaluated over the initial period of operation that is being subsidised by the council and will be agreed with the scheme operator.

“Further expansion of the scheme will only take place if further external funding is identified and secured or at the operator's own cost.”

The report adds: “Potential vandalism and bike theft are a key consideration and discussions with Highways has focused on the positioning of potential docking stations in view of the CCTV network.”

“Should the proposed scheme become profitable it is expected that the operator will share a proportion of the operating surplus (the difference between revenue and operating costs) with the council.

“The scheme is expected to be financially sustainable, and no revenue contribution is required from Bradford Council. Any revenue shortfalls are expected to be covered by the scheme operator.”