London cycle scheme to launch tomorrow

Transport 28/02/2011

Following in the footsteps (or rather tread marks) of cities such as Paris, Montréal and Stockholm, London will launch its own bicycle sharing system tomorrow at 6am. Known as Barclays Cycle Hire and brandishing the London Transport logo, the new scheme allows riders to use the bikes on a casual basis whenever they like or to sign up as a member and take out a subscription. For those simply wishing to hire a bike now and again with no commitment, there is a £1 access fee and the first half an hour is free. Thereafter a charge will be applied to your credit card depending on how long you keep the bike. Alternatively you can take out a week's subscription for just £5 or an annual one for £45. Cycles can be taken from any of the 100s of docking stations around the city, where you can also pay for your membership (members can also pay online), and then returned wherever you like. Coinciding with the recent launch of Barclays Cycle Superhighways, getting around London has just become a lot easier of cyclists and there are plans for more of these lanes to help riders travel about more safely and in quicker time.

Casual use will not quite be ready in time for the launch on Friday 30th, however those wishing to become members can do so now on the official Barclays Cycle Hire website. Happy pedalling!