Newquay one of the top locations for eBike use in Cornwall

Newquay has been named one of the most popular locations for Beryl eBike trips, as riders pass the milestone of one million kilometres travelled across Cornwall.

Cornwall Council says more than 400,000 journeys have been made since the scheme launched three years ago, with Newquay Railway Station and The Moor in Falmouth emerging as the top starting and finishing points. More than 50,000 people have signed up to the Beryl app, giving them access to the shared eBikes available in Newquay, Falmouth, Penryn, Penzance and Truro.

The scheme is funded by Cornwall Council and the Department for Transport and is designed to encourage people to swap short car journeys for cycling. Councillor Dan Rogerson, the council’s cabinet member for transport, said around a quarter of car trips in Cornwall are under three miles, adding that rider data shows average eBike journeys are about one and a half miles.

As well as helping to cut carbon emissions, the council says eBikes are powered using renewable energy. Six solar-powered charging hubs are being installed across Cornwall following a successful bid for government funding.

The Beryl app is free to download, with payment options including Pay As You Ride and minute bundles for more frequent users.