A dockless bike share scheme will be trialed in Richmond soon.

Due to recent advancements, the schemes no longer require docking stations as the technology can be directly built into the bikes.

The bikes can be located using an app and rely on a wheel lock which is opened with a code.

When finished, cyclists can relock the bikes and leave them in any area the pilot is in operation.

The bikes will be phased in over a number of months, starting with about 200 bikes- the amount will grow depending on demand.

According to the council: “Service providers will be required to redistribute the bikes as necessary and to manage the bikes in a way that does not create an obstruction to other road users, particularly pedestrians.”

Councillor Peter Buckwell, cabinet member for highways and street scene, said: “Whilst the benefit of this scheme is that the bikes can be parked anywhere we anticipate early trials to focus on the hubs around Richmond and Twickenham Stations which generate most traffic.

“Further locations will be identified for the deployment and distribution of bikes based on demand.”

Cllr Jean Loveland, Richmond Council’s Cycling Champion said: “Cycling is good for the environment, good for the health of our residents and we want make it easier for more people to cycle to, from and within our borough.

“This is a great initiative and I hope people take advantage of it.”

The trial’s start date has not yet been set as the council is “waiting to confirm specific suppliers once commercial processes have been completed”.