AN ambitious bid to ease congestion around Worcester could be launched - modelled on London's famous 'Boris Bike' scheme.

In the capital people can pay £2 to pick up a bicycle from special docking stations around the city, using them to move around and park up securely.

Now an attempt is being made to launch it in Worcester in an effort to get more cars off the road, ease pollution and encourage tourists.

The hire scheme was introduced to London’s streets by then mayor of London Boris Johnson in 2010, earning them the nickname ‘Boris bikes’.

The idea has come from Councillor Richard Udall, who says the Faithful City's clogged roads, tight boundaries and pleasant views make it "the perfect place" for a trial.

The Worcester News can reveal how the suggestion has led to an enthusiastic response from Worcestershire County Council, which is prepared to investigate it.

There is also a hope that sponsors can be found to fund docking stations dotted around the city.

Cllr Udall said: "A few docking stations in the city centre, the riverside, the university, in public parks such as Cripplegate and in the countryside centre would help promote cycling, improve fitness and be good for tourism.

"Worcester would be a perfect place to trial such a system - we'd have to work with a partner who would be a sponsor, but I believe it could work.

"I believe such a system would be useful and could generate much needed income for the council.

"We'd have to experiment with a trial first, but if successful it could be expanded city-wide."

He also said County Hall had a legal duty to promote health, and that it could be a "big winner" in easing car jams.

The proposal, known as 'Worcester Bikes', has led to a positive response from leading politicians.

Councillor John Smith, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "From a health perspective we'd be quite prepared to look at it.

"It depends on where you would want people to cycle - to the university, into parts of the city and then back around sounds like a good idea.

"We'd certainly be prepared to look at this."

In London there are a whopping 11,500 bicycles available at 750 docking stations, each one situated between 300 and 500 metres apart.

The "Boris Bikes" have had more than 57 million journeys and last year it rose five per cent to hit an all-time record of 10.3 million.

It also comes at a time when Worcestershire County Council is looking to install more cycle lanes down what it calls 'key' corridors.

* What do you think - would this work in Worcester? Email te@worcesternews.co.uk or call 01905 742248.