Glasgow’s network of shared bikes is expanding ahead of COP26.

Bike share operator nextbike, which runs the OVO Bikes scheme, has scaled up the number of bikes and stations across the city to improve access to sustainable travel.

Nextbike has also made changes to some of its other stations as security around Glasgow tightens ahead of the conference.

New permanent stations have been installed at Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Bellahouston Park, Whiteinch Library, Springfield Road and Clifton St / Kelvingrove Park East, while a sixth station, at Burrell Collection, will be installed in November.

Stations at Riverside, SEC, and Glasgow Science Centre have been closed for the duration of COP26t, while new temporary stations have been installed at Lancefield Quay and Elliot Street, Pacific Drive and Pacific Quay.

READ MORE: Royal Mail kits out Govan depot with micro electric vans ahead of COP26

With the eyes of the world on Glasgow, nextbike UK’s managing director Krysia Solheim, said there’s never been a better time to jump on a bike.

“We cannot underestimate the importance of the discussions that will take place over the next few weeks,” said Ms Solheim.

“It’s a great opportunity for Glaswegians and COP26 delegates to think about how they are moving around the city, and to lead by example by opting for the most sustainable methods of transport available.

Glasgow Times: A general view of a mass cycle event organised by NextBike at the Riverside museum to mark the expansion of the scheme, and to celebrate 200 years of cycling

“Jumping on a bike will not only help to reduce CO2 emissions, but it will also help to reduce the amount of traffic on the roads during what will be a period of unprecedented pressure on Glasgow’s transport infrastructure thanks to the amount of people attending COP26.

“We hope that the expansion of the fleet and the new permanent stations, alongside the temporary stations that have been installed for COP26, will help to keep Glasgow moving during the next two weeks and beyond.”

READ MORE: Maze of confusion as cyclists battle baffling COP26 diversion in Glasgow

Councillor Anna Richardson, City Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, said: “The success of the Glasgow bike hire scheme has gone hand in hand with the growing interest in cycling in the city. 

“Encouraging a shift to active and sustainable forms of transport is essential if we are to decarbonise how we travel across the city and the hire scheme is more than playing its part.

“But as we approach COP26 travelling by bike will also be one of the most reliable ways of getting about Glasgow when there will be a lot of pressure on the other parts of the city’s transport network.

“For the longer term it’s great to see even more hire bikes being added to Glasgow’s ever expanding network of hire stations, helping to make cycling more and more accessible to communities all across the city.”