A BIKE sharing scheme has been launched in the North-East.

People in Newcastle can download and mobile phone app to use the one of 1,000 silver and orange Mobike’s in Newcastle city centre.

Cyclists will be able to pay a discounted £2 deposit until Wednesday, and then pay the same deposit, £29, as Manchester and London users when they sign up. Riders will be charged 50p for 30 minutes.

Steve Pyer, UK General Manager for Mobike, said: “We’re really excited to kick off our operations in Newcastle.

“It’s very rewarding to see the continuous support we get from a variety of organisations for the scheme, and from businesses keen to get involved in lots of different ways.

“The city has a great ambition for improving its cycling culture and infrastructure, and we hope to play an important part in this initiative.”

The scheme is designed to benefit users, local business and communities, as well as Newcastle City Council by providing tailored data insights.

Cllr Arlene Ainsley, cabinet member for transport and air quality at Newcastle City Council, said: “It’s fantastic news that Newcastle has become the third city in the UK to formally welcome Mobike.

“One of our major transport priorities is to reduce congestion and pollution which is caused by traffic.”