The City of Edinburgh Council agreed in May that it would start up a new cycle hire scheme in August.
But we do not yet know who it is with, or when exactly it will start. It will be a dockless model, and all bikes will be electric.
What we do know is that it is one of two companies, Lime or Dott, and there will be no upfront cost to the council. Any bikes which become lost will be held by the council until the operator pays a fine for their release.
Council officers are due to choose the new operator for a two year trial soon after Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson put them under pressure to get it up and rolling by August.
He said: “Our initial target was to launch the trial cycle hire scheme during the month of August, and I remain confident that we’ll deliver this. As ever, we’ll work closely with summer festival operators and our other partners to minimise disruption during this busy period.
“However, the tender process is still underway, and a contract has not yet been awarded. We’re actively working to finalise arrangements and remain committed to making the scheme operational as soon as possible.
“We’re determined that any cycle hire scheme is implemented diligently and in the right way for the specific needs of Edinburgh. I’m confident that once a scheme is operational it will greatly benefit our residents and visitors alike.”
