NEW rental bikes have been put in place on Weymouth Esplanade, where rules state that bikes cannot be ridden during the day.

As previously reported, electric bikes arrived in Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester on Tuesday, August 22, with hire available by the minute or by the day.

Some 120 of the distinctive bikes are available from 30 bays across the area with a phone app used to unlock, lock and pay for their use.

One of the bays where the bikes can be picked up is on The Esplanade.

Currently, cycling is not allowed on Weymouth Esplanade between 10am and 5.30pm from April 30 until September 30.

This has led to some confusion from residents over the placement of the cycle bay.

A sign nearby has warned potential cyclists of the times at which their bikes are allowed.

No cycling sign on Weymouth EsplanadeNo cycling sign on Weymouth Esplanade (Image: Tom Lawrence)

Unlocking the machine costs £1.50 and after that you will be charged 16p for each minute, on the standard rate – although you are able to reduce the per minute cost to 8p per minute by choosing one of several ‘bundles’ which include day and half-day use, or 100 minutes.

Rides can be paused, for a limited time, to allow for short breaks, with the electric motor clicking in automatically to help you along.

A Dorset Council spokesperson said: "The restrictions are on the paved area between the main road and the beach (known as the esplanade or the promenade) with no cycling between 10am and 5.30pm from April 30 to September 30.

"There are no restrictions to cycling on the main road adjacent to the cycle bays.

"The Beryl bikes bay is very close to the main road and, upon leaving this road, riders would need to dismount to park in the Beryl bay.

"Weymouth Town Council has cycle parking areas along this area of the seafront and this has been managed well by existing signage.

"We will monitor the area for any issues and work with Weymouth Town Council if any do arise."

Cllr Jon Orrell, ward member for Melcombe Regis, said: "The selection of sites for the bikes was meant to be in places where people might want to park, for arrival or departure.

"It is true that the prom is for walking during the summer however there are some great cycle routes available from the beach heading off down the Rodwell trail to Sandsfoot Castle or the Fleet.

"There are also routes to Preston or along either side of Radipole lake and up past St Ann’s church to the long cycle route leading to Dorchester."