THE MANAGER of a bike hire scheme, which has been hit by repeated acts of vandalism, has vowed to continue in Southampton.

Dave Munday – who manages YoBikes in Southampton – says he is “still committed to the city” despite a sharp rise in the number of damaged and stolen bikes since the start of the summer.

His comments, made at the city’s first Cycle Savvy event (above) come just weeks after Mr Munday said he was tempted to abandon the scheme due to the number of damaged vehicles around the city.

As reported the scheme, with its distinctive yellow cycles, has logged 32,000 rides since it started 12 months ago. But bikes were being damaged at a rate of 15 times a week.

Yo bikes can be hired for £1 an hour

Millbrook, Redbridge and Lordshill are the worst areas for vandalism, said Mr Munday.

Now Mr Munday says he is getting support from Hampshire police, who have been trained in how to spot a damaged or stolen bike.

And as the scheme is only to over-16s, police are also able to stop younger riders who do not have permission to use the bikes.

Mr Munday said parking spots are now being made available along the city’s main commuter routes in a bid to persuade more commuters to mount up.

He said: “The challenge is making it economically viable. We do believe we can operate across the city. We will still have the same number of bikes but have them along the commuter routes. We have worked closely with the police. They are now fully conversant with the rules of the scheme.

“The police have been really helpful in recovering stolen bikes.”

New parking spaces will be put at Hampshire Corporate Park and Mr Munday says he is also in talks with Eastleigh Borough Council to expand the scheme into its area.

He added: “The UK is not as geared up for cyclists as other countries. There are bad attitudes towards cyclists and our cycling infrastructure isn’t as good.”

YoBikes, which cost £1 an hour to hire or £5 for the day, have been dubbed the “smart bike-sharing scheme”. The bikes are locked and unlocked with a free mobile app and docked at any rack in the city.

Southampton was the second UK city to adopt the scheme after its launch in Bristol.