Yorkshire's answers to the “Boris Bikes” has been launched.
A massive bicycle renting scheme has been launched to allow residents to rent bikes.
The biggest ever such project to be launched in the UK, the Bike Library will run across Kirklees and the rest of Yorkshire to build upon the Tour de France legacy.
Schools, village halls, community groups and small cycling shops will all be getting in on the initial three-year scheme, which is due to open to the public in January.
There is a scheme in London with hundreds of bikes available.
Dreamt up by Welcome to Yorkshire and Yorkshire Bank, it is hoped that everyone who wants to will eventually be able to rent one to use during their daily lives.
They are in talks with numerous organisations and have welcomed more to get in touch and apply for funding from the Bike Libraries, which, if sucessful, would allow them to be able to act as a local pick up station for commuters.
And Welcome to Yorkshire has put a call out for bike riders to donate their old bikes over the Christmas period, so that they can be renovated by their team of mechanics and rented out.
Some of the cycle points around other parts of the county have already been announced, while budding Kirklees cyclists will find out where they will be able to rent in the new year.
A spokeswoman for Welcome to Yorkshire, which hosted the tour’s Grand Départ in July, said: “It’s a very historic moment for Yorkshire.
See below for a picture gallery from the Tour de France in our area.
“This is the first such scheme in the UK and will be the biggest.
“It’s a wonderful part of the legacy of the Tour de France Grand Départ and we are very excited to see it begin.
“Bike libraries will be set up in communities so that residents do not have to travel far to use them.”
There will be a particular focus on encouraging young people to take part.
Helen Page, Yorkshire Bank Customer Experience and Marketing Director, said: “At Yorkshire Bank we’re committed to supporting the local community and we hope, through this wonderful scheme, more people will be able to enjoy the benefits of cycling.”
Ex-Kirklees mayor and cycling enthusiast, Martyn Bolt, said: “Kirklees Council had a policy to do just this five years ago but it sadly never came to fruition so I’m glad it has been realised.
“We’ve already seen the success of what can happen when you recycle bikes through Street Bikes CIC.
“Giving unwanted bikes to people who can make use of them is fantastic.
“It will stop bikes being wasted, reduce pollution, will help people get healthier fitter and allow them to enjoy our countryside.”
Several cycling legends, including Mirfield’s former Tour de France rider Brian Robinson, launched the scheme in Leeds .
