Glaswegians ditched their cars or public transport to take to bikes in almost record numbers in June, bike share operator nextbike has revealed.
With over 32,000 rentals of their bikes from stations across the city, the amount of hires fell just 14 hires short of being the highest monthly rental on record last month for the bike operator, despite many social distancing restrictions remaining in place due to Covid 19.
Nearly 17,000 Glaswegians also registered for the scheme last month alone, bringing the total number up to 72,530 - more than 1/10th of the total city population.
Glasgow currently has 650 standard bikes and 63 e-bikes, with 79 standard stations and 21 electric stations across the city.
Nextbike MD Krysia Solheim said she hoped the figures showed a lasting appetite for change.
She said: "We believe the increase in customer numbers and rentals is down to a number of factors, including people’s reluctance to travel on motorised public transport during the pandemic and the fact that we offered free cycling vouchers as a helping hand to key workers across the city," said Ms Solheim.
"We’re hoping that now that people are starting to move around more frequently and freely, they will continue to include cycling as part of their daily lives. By making the simple switch, our customers are helping to reduce carbon emissions and congestion in the city, and are benefiting from the mental and physical health benefits that come with jumping on a bike."
The news comes as Glasgow City Council continue to introduce new cycle lanes and racks in the city as part of their 'Spaces For People' programme, which is providing extra space for physical distancing to protect public health and suppress a resurgence of Covid-19.
