Perth Voice Interactive

A NEW bike library will let wannabe cyclists check out treadlies to give them a whirl.

Vincent council’s new system will let anyone (with ID) to borrow bikes for a few hours to try them out for free. Residents can check them out for a few days for a nominal fee, while non-residents must shell out a few bucks more.

The idea is to get people to try out cycling and see if it’d work for them better than hopping in a car and contesting with traffic.

Eastern states research shows many don’t get involved in cycling because of the “perceived high costs”.

In 2013 the council’s surveys showed a lot of people wanted a bike-share scheme, with electric bikes available for the oldies.

The RAC will kick in cash for four bikes, while Zap Electric Vehicles will pitch in $6000 for three electric bikes, two hybrid bikes and one cargo bike.

With Vincent’s roadways thoroughly clogged and WA government public transport schemes delayed, the council’s hoping the new $2.5 million bike path network rolling out out across major routes will help ease congestion.

by DAVID BELL