Nextbikes are coming to Dinas Powys as public asked to suggest locations

Nextbike is expanding its bike-sharing scheme in the Vale of Glamorgan as the public is being asked to suggest locations in Dinas Powys.

Two docking stations will be installed later this summer in Dinas Powys where cyclists will be able to rent electric bikes for a small fee. Each station will have between five and 10 bikes.

Riders will be able to return those bikes to docking stations in Penarth, Sully and Cosmeston. Later this summer, the scheme will link up with Cardiff, too.

The bike-sharing scheme was introduced in Penarth with 50 bikes last November. Nextbike is now asking the public where the two docking stations should be located in Dinas Powys.

Krysia Solheim, managing director of Nextbike UK, said: "The scheme has proved incredibly popular to date, with more than 8,000 journeys made and 32,000 km cycled. Thanks to its success, we want to expand the network to allow convenient access to even more people.

"Bike share schemes can have such a positive impact on people's lives in many ways, from the physical and mental health benefits that cycling brings, to the reduction in congestion and CO2 emissions that comes from cycling instead of using motorised transport.

"We're really keen to hear from the public about where they would like to see the new stations situated. Our bike share schemes are there to benefit the whole community, which is why we want to hear from as many people as possible."

People wishing to suggest locations for the docking stations should respond to a form on Nextbike's website by May 30. The stations must be close to places like train stations, shopping centres, and in places where they can be easily accessed by maintenance teams.

Nextbikes can already be rented in Penarth from stations at the Esplanade, Llandough Hospital, Windsor Road, the train station, the Barrage, and in Cosmeston. A station in Sully will also be installed soon. The bike-sharing scheme is the first electric bike one in Wales.

Councillor Peter King, cabinet member for transport, said: "The Nextbike e-bike hire scheme in Penarth has proved extremely successful. Since its launch, the hire of the bikes has been steadily increasing.

"With the onset of summer, we have implemented a new docking station at Cosmeston, and very soon there will be a new docking station in Sully. I am convinced the scheme will only go from strength to strength.

"Two additional docking stations in Dinas Powys will complement the existing Nextbike network within the Vale of Glamorgan and provide an additional sustainable transport link between these three areas.

"I would encourage Dinas Powys residents to respond to the consultation as it's important they are located where they are accessible to as many people as possible."

Electric bikes use a motor to take some of the effort out of pedalling, making it much easier to tackle steep hills, with top speeds of 25km per hour. They cost £1 to rent per 30 minutes for customers with a monthly or annual membership, or £2 per 30 minutes for non-members.