Beryl express 'disappointment' after bike dumped in lake

As reported, a resident came across one of the 120 electronic rental bikes on Wednesday after it was dumped in Radipole Lake nature reserve, Weymouth.

Beryl has revealed it was one of three bikes recovered locally since the scheme was launched in South Dorset two weeks ago.

It could not confirm the locations of the dumped bikes but it's understood all were found "in water".

Available from 30 bays across the Weymouth, Dorchester and Portland area, a phone app is used to unlock, lock and pay for their use. They were installed at the end of last month.

The bike was dumped in Radipole Lake (Image: Supplied) A spokesperson for Beryl said: “We’ve been delighted with the initial response to the launch of our e-bike share scheme, which has already generated well over two thousand sustainable journeys since launch.

“However, it’s always disappointing to see the results of vandalism or anti-social behaviour and we would appeal to anyone misusing the bikes to please respect them and ensure they are available for other people to use.

The bike was found in Radipole Lake (Image: Supplied) “We will work with Dorset Police to investigate any incidents of theft or criminal damage and retain the option to suspend and ban/remove accounts for improper use of the scheme."

For users who fail to return the machines to their designated areas marked out on the ground with paint, there could be an excess charge of £10 to pay. On top of this, Beryl know at all times where the machines are with GPS tracking onboard each bike.

The bikes are maintained by Beryl staff on a regular basis with the app able to tell you how much power each machine has available.

Peter Robertson, Site Manager for the RSPB Dorset nature reserves, said: “We ask people to please not dispose of rubbish in our lakes and rivers, as it causes harm to these special places and the wildlife that lives there. Please take unwanted items to your local recycling centre.”

A spokesperson for Dorset Council, said: "The management of the new scheme and the bikes sits entirely with Beryl. People can report abandoned bikes to Beryl through their app or on their website."

You can report incidents of vandalism or anti-social behaviour involving Beryl e-bikes quickly and easily to their Customer Support team either by phone on +44 020 3003 5044 between 7am and 9pm seven days a week, by email at support@beryl.cc or through the Beryl app. For emergencies contact 999.