'Boris Bikes' In Reading?

Reading Borough Council has begun the process of looking at potential 'pick-up' and 'drop off' points for a bike hire scheme planned for the town.

As part of the council's local sustainable transport scheme, it is hoped so-called 'Boris bikes' will become a familiar sight on the streets of Reading.

This week will also see the search begin for potential suppliers who will provide and operate the service. Companies have been invited to begin preparing their own bids in advance of a competitive tendering process which is expected to begin later this year.

Reading Borough Council say they would hope to award a contract to the successful bidder in 2013 and have the bike hire scheme operating within the following six months.

In June, Reading was awarded £20.7 million by the Department for Transport from its Local Sustainable Transport Fund.