Watford’s pioneering bike-share scheme has been granted a five-year extension, ensuring that the town’s greenest transport network remains a fixture until at least April 2031...
Following approval from the Watford Borough Council Cabinet on 19 January 2026, the new agreement will introduce a modernised, electric-focused fleet.
To meet the demand for electric-assisted travel, Beryl will introduce an additional 120 new e-bikes to the network, bringing the total fleet to 220 e-bikes and 80 pedal bikes. There is also a new bay by Watford Met station, delivered with the support of TFL.
Photocaption: Representatives standing by Beryl Bikes in front of the new bay by Watford Met
This shift reflects the changing habits of Watford’s riders, who are increasingly choosing electric power for longer commutes. The extension also cements a truly regional, "borderless" travel experience for Southwest Hertfordshire, with bays in Bushey and Three Rivers.
Since its launch in March 2020, the Beryl scheme has become a cornerstone of Watford’s infrastructure. The latest performance data reveals a town in motion, with over 632,500 sustainable journeys completed and more than 1.68 million kilometers traveled. This activity has saved over 66.50 tonnes of CO2 emissions, directly supporting the town’s net-zero carbon targets, and generated over 227,100 hours of physical activity for local residents.
According to the 2025 Annual Rider Survey, Beryl is fundamentally changing how people move. Approximately 70% of users reported that the scheme enabled them to take journeys they wouldn't have otherwise attempted.
The survey also shows people are increasingly wanting to use the cycle scheme to replace car usage. When asked what transport they would have used instead of a Beryl vehicle, 20% cited driving a car or van and 23% would have used a taxi or ride-share service. Furthermore, 66% of users report riding bikes more often or much more often since joining the scheme.
Beyond travel, Beryl and Watford Borough Council are utilising the scheme to tackle social inequality through several key initiatives:
- In partnership with Jobcentre Plus, Beryl provides newly placed jobseekers with free access to Beryl’s vehicles for the first month, followed by 12 months at a 50% discount.
- The "Cycling by Prescription" initiative, run alongside social prescribing teams and GPs, allows health professionals to provide voucher codes for free vehicle access to those in need.
- Additionally, the Community Champions program works with local volunteers to break down barriers to cycling in underrepresented groups.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “In 2018, I made a commitment to deliver this scheme, and I’m proud to see how far it has come. Watford was the first district council in the country to introduce a bike-share scheme, and the level of take-up shows just how valuable it has become to residents.
“Securing this five-year extension and expanding the fleet, particularly with more e-bikes, means Beryl Bikes will remain central to our plans for a cleaner, healthier and less congested Watford. This is about giving people real, sustainable choices for how they travel, now and well into the future.
Philip Ellis, CEO of Beryl, said: "The strength of our partnership with Watford Borough Council is clearly reflected in the remarkable success of the scheme over the last five years. We are thrilled to continue this journey until 2031, bringing further innovation to the town through a modernised fleet that prioritises electric power.
"By adding 120 new e-bikes and expanding deep into Three Rivers, we are making sustainable travel a truly regional reality. Our goal has always been to remove barriers to active travel, and this extension ensures that more people than ever - from jobseekers to those using our 'Cycling by Prescription' service - can enjoy the benefits of green, affordable transport."”
