Blackpool Council has announced a further 160 bicycles are to be made available as part of the resort's cycle hire scheme, which first launched in September 2009.

An initial 50 bicycles were rolled out at a number of locations as a pilot to the Hire-a-Bike scheme, which is being led by the council in partnership with Cycling England and NHS Blackpool. The additional bikes form part of plans to provide at least 500 when fully rolled-out, with docking stations located around the pleasure beach and promenade areas. A total of 70 'hubs' will eventually be provided.

Gavin Baxter, the council's Cycle Blackpool project manager, said: "We want to get more people using a bicycle to get around. Short journeys to the post office or local shops are actually done quicker by bike and then there are the parks and promenade that everyone should enjoy."