Today Edinburgh Cycle Hire has been awarded the top prize in Walking, Public Realm and Cycling by the judges at the Scottish Transport Awards.

The scheme which is part of the Transport for Edinburgh family has been running for two years recently reported year on year growth of 119% and is one of the fastest growing cycling hire schemes in the UK with average trip per day per bike increasing by 46% since their first year of operation.

Edinburgh Cycle Hire has improved urban mobility across the city, helping to support economic growth, reduce traffic congestion, and improve health and wellbeing. It has also built partnerships with the city’s employers, community organisations and attractions to raise awareness of the scheme as a fun, healthy, easy, environmentally friendly and affordable way to travel.

The scheme is operated by Serco and is built on their experience operating Transport for London’s Cycle Hire Scheme, the scheme was designed as a practical alternative to combustion transport options in the city and offers a fun, healthy, affordable, convenient and environmentally friendly new transport option for Edinburgh.

George Lowder, Chief Executive Officer Transport for Edinburgh said:

“This was a highly competitive category and the win is testament to the hard work of the cycle hire team who deliver an exceptional service for The City that has demonstrated record levels of growth in the two years of operation.”

Alex Macdonald, General Manager Edinburgh Cycle Hire said:

“We’re delighted to have won this award with Transport for Edinburgh. Edinburgh Cycle Hire is a major success story, both in The City and for the cycling community”