Plans for more Beryl e-bikes to be set-up in Dorset have been confirmed in the lead-up to Christmas.

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

Dorset Council confirmed that, in the first month since the launch of Beryl electric assisted bikes in Dorchester, Portland and Weymouth, riders covered 17,000 miles - with more than 5,000 journeys taking place. The average journey has been measured at just under five kilometres.

Now, the council is looking to expand the coverage across the three areas in the lead-up to Christmas, with two more bays having been opened on Thursday, October 24 at the Weymouth Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre on Knightsdale Road, and at Littlemoor library.

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: "More bays will be opened before Christmas in Dorchester, Weymouth and Poundbury.

“Further details about these will be shared as we get closer to completion.”

The spokesperson for the council added: "We are not currently looking at bays further west of the current scheme."

Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, said: “As a council, we’re committed to helping make our county more climate and nature friendly.  And schemes like this are a great way of driving down our carbon footprint.  They also offer residents and visitors an excellent opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature.” 

Since the launch, there has been reports from members of the public who have found Beryl bikes dumped, such as the bike found in Radipole Lake, or far away from any Beryl bay like this one found by Emma-Mae Bishop in Wyke.

For the unwary 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. Beryl know at all times where the machines are with GPS tracking onboard each bike.

A Beryl bike left in Wyke RegisA Beryl bike left in Wyke Regis (Image: Emma-Mae Bishop) A spokesperson for the council said: “Despite some reports, there has been very little misuse of the bikes.

“However, Beryl encourages people to report any instances or misuse, or bikes left outside designated bays. If you spot anything out of the ordinary, please contact Beryl via their website.”

Deputy leader of Dorset Council, Cllr Richard Biggs for the Poundbury ward, said: "I understand the scheme is doing very well and has been a great success, we've had way more rides than we expected which has been surprising. 

"It's sort of a test case, where we would look to expand the scheme if it is viable. We're waiting for bays to be installed in Poundbury, and hopefully that will be completed and link in with the cycle path markers on Middle Farm Way next week."

Cllr Biggs admitted that he had seen bikes turn up 'in a few odd places' and said: "It's normal unfortunately, but generally Dorset has been very good. They're obviously being used, and if people don't return them to the bays- they'll get fined."

Beryl CEO, Phil Ellis, said: “We’ll continue to work with our partner, Dorset Council and listen to feedback from riders and stakeholders to help keep the scheme as fun, accessible and easy-to-use as possible.

“By doing this, we hope to continue having a positive impact on reducing traffic congestion and harmful carbon emissions while improving air quality and public health.”

To report any misuse of bikes, visit www.beryl.cc/contact