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BTN Bikeshare man on bicycle

BTN Bikeshare to be ‘paused’ from December until Spring 2023

Brighton & Hove’s BTN BikeShare scheme is to pause operations from 31 December in preparation for a new look scheme to launch next year. 

Bikes will begin to be removed from service from Monday 19 December and close for hires by 31 December.

After five years on the street and despite a significant programme of refurbishments, the current fleet of bikes is showing wear. They have also been experiencing technical issues since April due to the strength of Vodafone’s 3G signal which they rely on.

This has meant a significant percentage of bikes have been unusable for long periods of time. We understand that Vodafone’s 3G signal will be switched off entirely from 1 March.

The scheme will be withdrawn over the winter months when overall usage is lower, with a refreshed scheme launched next year.

Annual memberships and renewals were paused in May in preparation for a new scheme, but anyone with an existing annual membership will be given the option of being refunded for their remaining unspent months or can donate this to a local cycling charity.

Pay as you go members, active in the last 8 weeks, with unspent balances of more than £3 at 31 December 2022 can also request to reclaim or donate these.

A new-look bike scheme

The pause will allow us to fully prepare for the launch of a new-look scheme in 2023 which will see several changes and improvements introduced, including:

  • At least 60% of the new fleet of bikes will be electric
  • 312 new pedal-only bikes to replace the existing pedal-only fleet with a further 468 E-bikes to make up a fleet of 780 total.
  • More bike docking stations around the city to make the scheme truly city wide
  • A range of tariff options for users
  • A new sponsor partnership offer

See the Brighton Hove City Council website for further details

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Robin Coleman • 23 November 2022


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