The opportunity to run a cycle hire concession in the town is being offered by Swanage Town Council to encourage people to ditch the car more often and explore on a bike.
Cycle hire businesses are being encouraged to apply to run a bike hire operation from North Beach car park off De Moulham Road.
North Beach car park backs onto Days Park near to the Swanage Town and Herston Football Club
Offer electric bikes for hire
The council says that it wishes for the new bike hire service, based at the council-owned car park, to provide an exciting new attraction for visitors and provide environmentally friendly transport.
It’s also hoping that the successful hire company will offer electric bikes, allowing people the chance to try them out.
“Encourage sustainable transport solutions for the town”
In the tender document it says:
“In September 2019, Swanage Town Council declared a climate crisis and subsequently approved an environment policy and associated action plan. Within this action plan there is a requirement to develop and encourage sustainable transport solutions for the town.
“Cycling is an ever-increasing leisure activity and with the advent of practical and cost-effective electric bikes this will only increase. Indeed, it is likely that within the next five years or so, electric bikes will become a feasible form of sustainable transport for local journeys for many people.”
The document details that the concession will be initially for three years with the potential for an extension for a further two years. The business will be expected to offer a range of bikes for hire by customers, including electric and accessible bikes alongside essential items such as helmets and lights.
Cycle hire is available in other parts of Dorset including Purbeck Park formerly known as the Norden Park and Ride car park near Corfe Castle
A start date on or before 1st April 2022
The council adds that while it is hoped that a concession will be operational for summer 2021, it acknowledges this is a tight timetable., therefore, a start date on or before 1st April 2022 is likely to be considered acceptable.
It says tenders should include a structured business plan as outlined in the tender documentation. Offers have to be received by noon on Monday 8th March 2021.
Further information
- The opportunity to run the bike hire concession is being publicised on the Swanage Town Council website
- Swanage Town Council’s visitor services manager and business development officer, Culvin Milmer can be contacted for more information on telephone 01929 766018 or via email c.milmer@swanage.gov.uk
