DOCKLESS bike hire company Ofo has announced it is releasing an extra 200 bikes for use on the streets of Oxford.

This is in addition to the 450 bikes currently available in the city.

The scheme was launched in October and the distinctive yellow bikes have been seen in a variety of locations.

Ofo is one of four firms using the hire scheme in Oxford, which sees users pay a fee to use the bike and then leave it when they have finished with it.

Earlier this year, the Oxford Mail reported how Ofo was in talks with Oxford City Council about expanding.

Joseph Seal-Driver, Ofo’s UK General Manager, said: “We were delighted with our launch in Oxford and have been pleased with how the bikes have been received by locals.

“It’s fantastic to see the way Ofo has enriched and complemented the existing transport infrastructure.

"That, in great part, has been down to our close work with Oxford City Council to ensure that the bikes are serving areas of need.

“There has been a step change in the way the city gets around as a result.

"At Ofo, it is our goal to get Britain cycling. Thanks to Oxford residents, we’re seeing that vision being realised.”

The company also hires a number of marshals across the city to manage its fleet.