Decision details

The Connecting Leeds Transport Strategy sets out the reasons for, and benefits of, increasing cycling in Leeds.  The Leeds public bike hire scheme will provide everyone who travels in Leeds (be they residents, workers or visitors) with an opportunity to access a network of electric bikes and to use those bikes as an alternative to other modes of travel particularly for short distance trips.

Subject to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority allocating capital funding for the project, the Council commences procurement to secure a commercial partner to deliver and operate the scheme.

That the key financial risks and the ways to manage them are noted, and that the Board endorses the proposal to establish a revenue contingency pot.

The Director of City Development submitted a report regarding the development of a funding bid for circa £2.4 million for consideration by West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) to implement a docked, public electric bike hire scheme in Leeds. The report set out the benefits that the scheme could bring to Leeds and how it could support the aspiration to address inclusive growth, health and wellbeing and the climate emergency by providing people who travel within Leeds with an opportunity to access e-bikes and to use those bikes as an alternative to other modes of travel, particularly for short distances. The report also outlined the key financial risks and how they would be managed.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the proposal to introduce a docked, electric bike (e-bike) hire scheme be supported, which includes the approach towards the design, delivery and operation of the scheme, as detailed within the submitted report;

(b)  That subject to WYCA allocating capital funding for the project, approval be given for the Council to commence procurement to secure a commercial partner to deliver and operate the scheme;

(c)  That the proposed approach towards mitigating any financial revenue shortfall, as detailed within the submitted report, be endorsed;

(d)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer Highways and Transportation will be responsible for the implementation of this scheme.

Internal and external consultation will be undertaken in early 2022.  Early conversations with external stakeholders have demonstrated that there is a high level of support for a public bike hire scheme in the city.

Internal:

Executive Member Infrastructure and Climate

Ward Members

City Centre Management

Highways & Transportation

Planning

Building Control (Access issues)

Planning for Growth

Economic Development

Health & Wellbeing

Parks & Countryside

Active Leeds Development 

Communications & Marketing

Connecting Leeds

Regeneration

Procurement & Commercial Services

Equality Team

External:

West Yorkshire Combined Authority

NHS

Universities

Network Rail

Leeds Cycle Forum

Leeds Access and Usability Group

Emergency Services

Leeds Bike Mill