Trying to park near the beach in the height of summer is no easy feat, so why not cycle to the coast?

A new ‘Park & Cycle’ scheme has been launched in Boscombe by BCP Council and local bike share provider Beryl.

A fleet of Beryl bikes has been installed at Kings Park car park and is ready for public hire. From Sunday 1 August to 5 September the first 20 minutes of bike hire journeys starting from Kings Park will be free – limited to a maximum of one per user – long enough for most people to cycle to the beach.

The ‘Park & Cycle’ scheme complements BCP Council’s ‘Park & Ride’ bus service that operates regularly from Kings Park car park direct to Boscombe Pier.

People cycling to the beach or town centre from Kings Park can park their bike at one of the conveniently located Beryl bays.  Return bike journeys are charged at the usual rate of £1 to unlock, plus five pence per minute.  A Beryl e-scooter can also be used as a fun method of transport for the return journey (unlock £1.50 plus 10pence per minute). Alternatively, the free ‘Park & Ride’ bus from Boscombe Pier can be used to return to Kings Park.

Cllr Mike Greene, portfolio holder for Transport and Sustainability, BCP Council said: “As part of our commitment to transforming travel in the area we are delighted to be offering a fun, healthy and environmentally-friendly way of getting to the beach and town centre from Kings Park using Beryl bikes.

“It complements our Park & Ride scheme really well and gives residents and visitors another choice of travelling around locally.  I hope as many people as possible take advantage of the free 20 minute offer and have a go at biking to the beach on a Beryl.”

Phil Ellis, CEO, Beryl said: “Since we launched in 2019, hundreds of thousands of journeys have been taken in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole on Beryl bikes.

“We’re always looking to support the council in their efforts to reduce congestion and air pollution, and promote cycling as an enjoyable and safe way to travel.

“This partnership will enable even more people to make the most of the good weather, and continue their journey by bike from the Kings Park, Park and Ride for free.”