“I'm NOT a representative of Oy Bikes. I was recently involved in helping them to publicise the bikes. So, I think I can address some of the concerns raised by other posters (refer to Oy Bike for the official line).

Oy Bikes are not taking up bike racks. Additional racks have been installed for the bikes.

The bikes do have lights. They run off a dynamo (pedal power, not battery).

If you return a bike and there is no space at the station, you lock it up nearby and call Oy Bike to let them know.

You can register with a credit or debit card.

The terms and conditions explain the insurance angle. Unless an accident is due to Oy Bike's negligance, you're responsible.

The bikes have combination locks. You get the combination when you hire the bike.

The scheme is being piloted. If successful, it will be explanded and more stations will be available. It takes 15-20 mins to walk the town centre vice 5 mins on a bike. So, much quicker (and cheaper than bus) to cycle.”

“I noticed that most of the docking stations in town are bolted onto existing cycle parks. Is it really a good idea to reduce the cycle parking in Cheltenham for this?

We are desperately short of cycle parking as it is. Reducing capacity seems a step backwards. Especially as more cyclists will have to go through town to find a space.”

“Are the bikes fitted with lights? What if I want to rent one at night? Am I leaving myself open for a £50 fine for cycling with no lights!”

“What's so pioneering about this? Seems Chelt (and Glos) are way behind being pioneering! Look at Brisle, just been given Cycling something or other. Cities abroad have been doing this for years. It's not so pioneering, more bandwagon. It won't last. The bikes will get nicked, vandalised, fall into disrepair, get too costly to hire......state of the nation.”

“It amazes me how this '..Wish we could dazzle you- but we know we can't Council..', lavishes cash it always claims never to have enough off, and always on the most bizarre pipe dreams imaginable. I mean first we had the noddy train, and now this. Clearly, it could put it's hard earned- via the speeding motorist- cash, to much better use- principly by returning the dreary and inadequate bus lanes into roads fit for all of us to use, not just those intent on living on the skimmings of some hazy eco-engineered breakfast machination! What about those who favour cycling, yet say- ride only a tricycle? It could then be argued that the 'rent-a-bike' scheme is evidently predjucial...? Personally- forget these silly bicycle by night- we've seen 'em all ideas and get yourself a lovely, shiny, gutsy, wham-ding-a-dang car! It's way more comfortable and far less noticable... I mean- seven bike sheds in Cheltenham.. sounds like the beginnings of some ghastly Inner-Tube!”

“I notice they have made sure that "the poor people" wont be using them by requiring a credit card to do so!
I can see resentment building up in Hesters Way....the "lads" are almost certain to target these bikes for "special" treatment!”

“Excellent... we need something like this here in Gloucester!”

“If the scheme does take off can they please put in more places to lock them up. I already cycle and now am having trouble finding free racks to lock my bike to as each place seems to have at least two or 3 OYbike's locked there.”

“This will encourage people to walk less, not drive less”

“I think it's a great idea! It's only a pilot scheme - the finer details can be resolved at a later date. I hope the take-up rate is good as it's one of the most positive strategies that have come out of CBC in recent years, in my humble opinion!”