Beryl Bikes has recorded its busiest month since the contract began, while Watford Car Club has reached 200 members...
Watford Borough Council is celebrating significant progress under its Transforming Travel in Watford strategy, as more residents choose greener, more accessible and inclusive ways to travel.
Beryl Bikes recorded 14,218 journeys during June 2026, the highest monthly total since the contract started in March 2020. This represents a:
- 56% increase compared with June 2025, when 9,112 journeys were made
- 10% increase compared with June 2024, when 12,940 journeys were made
- 23% increase compared with June 2023, when 11,568 journeys were made
The record-breaking month follows the introduction of 120 new e-bikes, all of which were added to the Watford fleet in May 2026. The additional bikes have increased availability across the town and made cycling a practical option for more people, including those making longer journeys or looking for extra assistance.
The latest running totals show that the Beryl scheme has now supported:
- 690,481 journeys
- 47,005 unique users
- 1,826,654 kilometres travelled
- 240,698 hours of cycling
- 71.54 tonnes of CO₂ saved
The figures demonstrate the increasingly important role that pedal bikes and e-bikes play in helping residents and visitors travel to work, reach local shops and services, connect with public transport and enjoy Watford’s parks and open spaces.
The council’s wider programme to provide alternatives to private car ownership is also making progress. Since launching in March 2024, Watford Car Club has attracted 200 members, who have collectively driven more than 66,124 miles and completed 1318 journeys.
By providing flexible access to low-emission vehicles when they are needed, the club helps residents who do not own a car or who are considering giving up a first or second household vehicle. It has resulted in an estimated reduction of approximately 8578.04 kilograms of CO₂.
From 14 July to 12 October 2026, Watford residents can enjoy reduced rates on selected car club vehicles, which will be £2 per hour lower and £20 per day lower, making it even easier to access a vehicle when you need one.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “These latest figures show that greener and more flexible forms of transport are becoming part of everyday life in Watford. Recording more than 14,000 Beryl journeys in a single month is a fantastic milestone, and the introduction of 120 additional e-bikes has clearly helped more people to take advantage of the scheme.
“Reaching 200 Car Club members is another encouraging sign. Not everyone needs or wants to own a car, but people may still need access to one occasionally. The Car Club provides that flexibility while helping to reduce the number of privately owned vehicles on our roads.
Councillor Ian Stotesbury, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability, said: “Transforming travel is not about one single form of transport. It is about giving people practical choices and making it easier to walk, cycle, use public transport, hire a bike or access a shared vehicle according to the journey they need to make.”
The progress supports the council’s ambition to create a healthier, better-connected and more sustainable town. By expanding the range of transport choices available, the Transforming Travel in Watford strategy aims to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, ease pressure on the road network and ensure that people without access to a private vehicle can continue to travel independently.
