News / cycling
Could coronavirus signal the end for YoBike?
Since their introduction in 2017, yellow hire bikes have been a familiar sight on the streets of Bristol.
But due to the coronavirus outbreak, they have been removed from service, with some users questioning whether they will make a return when the pandemic subsides.
In an email to users, YoBike said that they are “temporarily suspending” their service in Bristol.
The statement added: “This is in line with the recommendations made by the UK government and the World Health Organization (WHO) to restrict movement in the cities for the protection of people’s health.
“Your membership will be temporarily suspended. After we relaunch the service, your membership will be continuing.
“Wish you a good day. If you have any questions, please do let us know by sending email to [email protected]. Thank you for your understanding and stay safe.”
Unlocked via an app, YoBikes cost £1 per hour to use. They must be left at designated locations, unlike in other cities like London where they need to be ‘docked’.
Since their introduction to Bristol, they have been dogged by vandalism and in August 2019 pulled out of Southampton, the second UK city they launched in, after less than a year of operation.
Main photo by Martin Booth
Read more: YoBike no-go areas revealed
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
