London launches cycle hire scheme

London took a giant leap towards becoming a more cycle friendly city today (July 30) with the launch of a cycle hire scheme.


Launched in fanfare of publicity London’s cycle-loving mayor Boris Johnson and his transport advisor Kulveer Ranger officially opened the scheme on the capital’s south bank.

The scheme, which is only open to registered members currently, will be available to casual users signing up with a credit card at terminals in a month.

Mr Johnson described the operation as a ‘communist’ idea backed a bank, sponsors Barclays, and administrated by Tories – himself and Mr Ranger.

Edie.net was among the first to try put the new bike read my thoughts on what it was like to try one here.

Hear Mr Ranger explain what the scheme means for London

Get a look at the bike and how to rent one here

Anyone can sign up to the scheme by clicking here but you will need to wait for a key costing £3- which you must activate online or by phone – before you can take a bike.

An annual pass for the bikes costs £45 and there are various level of charges depending on how long you would like the bike for, but for the first half an hour it’s free.

And there are other options for joining including a 24-hour or seven-day pass instead of the annual one.

Luke Walsh

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