SLOUGH Council’s bicycle hire scheme is set to be out of action until a new provider is found.

The local authority is issuing a new tender for a new supplier who can run a modernised scheme at no cost to the council, which could potentially run e-bikers and new, lighter cycles, after the current scheme ends on July 1.

The Slough Cycle Hire Scheme started nearly 10 years ago where for just £1, pay-as-you-go members could grab a bicycle out of 17 cycle hire stations for up to one hour, or cyclists could choose a daily pass or monthly membership.

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But the scheme will be out of action because the council can no longer subsidise it. However, the transport team will review responses to the tender and relaunch a cycle hire scheme.

The hired bicycles could be donated and repurposed to community groups and charities that will issue them to low-income individuals.

Any users who bought a subscription that is valid after the closing date will be refunded on a pro-rata basis. Daily passes will continue to be available until 30 June.

Cllr Mohammed Nazir, lead member for transport and the local environment, said: “We remain committed to sustainable travel, and we are currently looking into alternative schemes.

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“We are optimistic we can find a new provider who can bring a revitalised scheme to the town and encourage people to get on a bike to make their journeys, rather than always hopping in the car. If we reduce the number of short car journeys we make, the local environment will be cleaner and safer.”

The council was awarded £10.4m to create a cycle superhighway on part of the A4, so retaining a bicycle share scheme is important to encourage people to take up cycling.