Reading bike-hire plan is approved

Cyclists may be offered the first half hour free before a charge is incurred

A bike-hire scheme in Reading, similar to one operating in London, has been given the go-ahead by councillors.

Under the plans, about 1,000 bicycles would be available at up to 150 docking stations across the town for cyclists to use.

The Conservative-Liberal Democrat-run council said bikes in London and Paris were used five to 10 times a day.

The council said sponsors would help fund the project.

Docking stations would be located at sites such as Reading station, the university and local business parks.

Although currently at the early-planning stage, cyclists could be offered the first half hour free before a charge was incurred.