With cycle hire schemes already going strong in many European cities such as Paris, Barcelona and Rome, it was only a matter of time until London followed suit. Mayor of London Borish Johnson announced plans for the scheme in April 2009, and Transport For London have named the official launch date as the 30th July this year.
Although urban cycle hire had been in existence for many years, it gained worldwide acclaim after being trialled in 2007 in Paris, where the “Vélib” (Vélo Libre) is still going strong. With over 20,000 bicycles around the city, the Vélib is the largest system of its type in the world.
To hire a bike, users must register with a credit or debit card, and there is a large fine if the bike is not returned. Although this by no means eliminates vandalism and theft, it does reduce the number of bikes that go AWOL.
In London, as in Paris, there is a rapidly escalating payment scale: the first half hour is free, while an hour is only £1, but two hours costs £6 and three hours £15. The model strongly favours the use of the bicycles as a means of short-term transport, rather than a leisure activity.
With 400 docking stations available, it’s a great way to see more of the city, instead of relying on the tube. It’s yet another great reason to visit London this summer.
Leave a reply