The City of Joondalup has approved its first bike hire station in the town’s centre.

Under the plan, the Urbi Bike Shar Scheme will be deployed to allow users to hire and ride a bike to public transport locations, shops, businesses and other destinations.

Bicycling Western Australia chief executive officer Jeremy Murray said he was pleased to see bike share schemes taking hold in WA.

“It will give people in the local area easy and cost-effective access to bikes for short trips,” he said.

“It will help to get our community more active and reduce the number of vehicles on the road.”

Urbi founder Adrian Lee said the bikes were a fantastic way to get around and people would soon find them quicker and easier than cars or buses.

The bike-sharing scheme operates through a smart phone app and is said to be the first of its kind in Australia.

The program will be offered free during the 12-month trial period, with rides limited to 45 minutes unless extended on the app.

WestCycle spokeswoman Sarah Smith said bike sharing schemes brought many benefits to local communities.

“Schemes can work with the public transport network to link rail stations and bus stops to where people live or work, helping [reduce] the need to drive short distances,” she said.

“They also allow people to ride whenever they need to without all the costs and responsibilities of actually owning their own bike.

“Riding a bike is good for your health and the environment too.”

The first bike station will be located in two car bays in the Joondalup Central Walk Car Park. It is expected that a further 11 stations will be installed within the city centre.