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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
John Cooper

Cycle hire scheme Santander Bikes is going to be available again in Swansea for first time since lockdown began

Swansea's popular bike share scheme will be back in operation on Wednesday, July 1.

Run by Nextbike in conjunction with Santander and Swansea University, the rental bikes scheme was cancelled in March as a result of the coronavirus lockdown.

Since their introduction in 2018, students, residents and tourists have rented the bikes for 25,000 journeys and will be able to do so again tomorrow for the first time in three months.

Non-essential shops in Wales reopened on June 22 after months of closure and the move coincides with the "phased re-opening of Swansea city centre," said council leaders.

Nextbike Managing Director, Kyrsia Solheim said: "We are delighted to get the wheels back in motion for July 1.

"Everyone involved in the scheme has worked tirelessly to make this happen and it will be a great sight to see the bikes back out on the streets."

Ms Solheim added that people renting the bikes should take "sensible and responsible measures," including following social distancing rules, hand-washing and not touching their face while riding.

People are also being asked not to use the bikes if they are showing coronavirus symptoms.

“We’re sanitising the handlebars and bike computers of all bicycles in the field and in the workshop. We're also recommending customers wear gloves when using the bikes, as well as washing hands before and after use,” she added.

Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: "This is another welcome move to complement the phased re-opening of Swansea city centre.

Mr Francis-Davies added: "The city centre looks different now due to our work with many others to keep the public safe at this time – and we continue to ask people to observe social distancing and stay safe.

"It will recover strongly after the pandemic and there are already many millions of pounds being invested there by public and private sectors."

Staff from the charity BikeAbility Wales will "maintain and sanitise the bikes" which can be rented by registering on the Netbike website.

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