THE new bike-share scheme hit the road in true Brighton style last night as people gathered on the seafront to watch.

Cycling enthusiasts were given the first official glimpse of the new BTN Bikes as organisers threw a launch party, getting residents excited about the benefits the scheme has to offer.

Scores gathered at the basketball court on the beach to watch the bikes being shown off.

Men and women rode down from King’s Road dressed in their tightest and brightest attire while chanting Queen’s song Bicycle Race at the top of their lungs.

The new scheme, run by Hourbike, allows people who opt in to use the life bikes for 60 minutes per day and they can leave them at variousparking bays around the city.

It is similar to the highly successful Santander Cycles in London and has been warmly welcomed by Brightonians.

Councillor Gill Mitchell, chairwoman of Brighton and Hove City Council’s environment committee, said at the launch: “I think this sort of scheme is just right for the city.

“The amount of people cycling is increasing and this will tap into that.”

The crowd enjoyed a range of Brighton-sourced luxuries including Brighton Bier and gin, hosted by Fugu, an events company based in the city.

South Coast Bikes, a bicycle repair shop in Basin Road South, Shoreham, is a partner of the bike share project.

Paul Topham, owner of the store, is backing it to be a huge success.

He said: “I wouldn’t have put my brand alongside the scheme unless I thought it could succeed.

“The most beneficial thing about these bikes is the quality.

“They have GPS systems installed, which I think sets them apart from the London bikes.

“It’s about the longevity of them as well, from a mechanic’s point of view.

“They are incredible.”

Organisers said the bikes have already taken off Brighton – 300 people signed up to the scheme, which is £75 for a year, in just 24 hours.

There are currently 35 hubs to park the life bikes in, with another 15 expected to be completed by the end of the month.

Another councillor who thinks the project will be a boom is Conservative Nick Lewry, of Hangleton.

He said: “I am the party’s champion for cycling.

“I do about 50 miles a week myself and I think cycling is the future.

“More people are taking it up, which is a good thing for the environment and city.

“Hopefully this will get people to leave their cars at home and get on one.

“You can go for lovely rides in Brighton.”