High traffic attractions of Cycle Blackpool Hire-a-Bike scheme are streets ahead for outdoor visibility

Blackpool Hire-a-Bike is the largest street-based, fixed station bike hire scheme in the UK outside of London.

Similar in design to London's Barclays Bike Hire scheme, it has over fifty fixed on-street stations and 500 bikes available to the residents and visitors of the UK's foremost seaside resort, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Over twelve million visitors came to Blackpool in 2010 to visit the many unique attractions, including the pleasure beach, promenade, golden mile, zoo and parks, with bike stations positioned at every major attraction, including exits to the major car parks. Awareness of the scheme is high amongst residents and visitors and 2011 has seen growth in bike rentals of over 600% from 2010, with an estimated 80,000 miles total mileage to date.

The scheme is promoted widely - and is a major part of cycling-associated events such as the Illuminations' Ride-the-lights, the Tour of Britain and Skyrides. Through the branding and information on the stations and bikes, the scheme creates a very large footprint in a very busy environment and as such is a highly attractive sponsorship opportunity.

The network of stations provides twenty-four hour access to bikes for leisure, commuting and utility cycling. It improves the health of its members, reduces the impact of motorised vehicles in the busy town and has almost universal positive reception from residents and local press.

The scheme is closely associated with VisitBlackpool, the NHS and Blackpool Council and is strongly supported by Blackpool Council members. Operated by Hourbike Ltd, a team of locally employed and trained mechanics ensure ongoing serviceability of the bikes and stations, and provides customer facing sales and support to customers on the street.

An interactive voice response system provides twenty-four hour ticket fulfilment and a website provides online customer information and advance sales.

The scheme is seeking a sponsor to ensure ongoing sustainability and growth of the project. Every aspect of the scheme branding, name, station and bike signage, materials and tariff are open to negotiation as part of the package. A single, multi-year sponsorship arrangement is preferred but all interested parties will be considered.

Contact: Tim Caswell, Managing Director

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