NOTTINGHAM has launched a "Boris style" bike scheme with up to 250 cycles available to hire across the city.
The first bikes are already on the streets and can be hired from Broadmarsh Bus Station and the Tourist Information Centre, in Smithy Row.
They are free to use for people with Kangaroo travel cards, while hire costs start from £2 per week for others.
The Government-funded scheme – similar to the London bike hire scheme championed by the capital's mayor, Boris Johnson (pictured) – will be rolled out across the city over the next two years, costing up to £350,000. By the end of this year, there will be more than 15 racks for collection and return of the cycles, including some at park-and-ride sites, tram stops and tourist attractions such as Wollaton Park and Nottingham Castle.
Muriel Barrett, 58, of Broadgate Avenue, Beeston, who tried one of the bikes this week, said: "They are easy to ride, with just three gears. If you pick one up at the park-and-ride, you can just carry on your journey to work."
The bikes are not in electronic docking stations like London's but come with locks and can be secured anywhere.
City councillor Jane Urquhart said: "One of Nottingham's strengths is that it is a relatively compact city, which makes getting around by bike very easy."
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