Ken looks at radical new plans for cycling
13 August 2007
THE Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, has asked Transport for London (TfL) to examine the feasibility of introducing a bicycle hire scheme to promote cycling in London.
The Mayor recently saw at first hand the successful 'Velib' - Freedom bike - hire scheme introduced by the Mayor of Paris, which has enjoyed great success since its launch a few weeks ago.
He has asked TfL to look at international best practice in promoting cycling, including hire schemes like that of Paris, with a view to introducing a scheme which meets the specific needs of London.
Cycling groups and other stakeholders will be consulted on the options.
A London scheme would require the support of London boroughs, as well as the Mayor, as most London roads are controlled by the boroughs.
The Paris scheme offers 10,000 bicycles sited at 750 dedicated hire-points every 300 metres around Paris, with plans for 20,000 bikes at 1,400 hire points by the end of the year.
The bikes are available at any time of the day or night and cost just about 70 pence to hire for half an hour.
Theft is minimal because of the unique design of the bicycles, their highly secure parking facilities, and because payment is via credit or debit card.
If a bicycle is not returned the hirer is charged around £100.
The Paris scheme has been an instant success, with the distinctive Freedom Bikes now seen all around the centre of Paris.
TfL officials have been working with the Clearzones Partnership and central London boroughs to examine the potential for a similar scheme for some months and will meet their opposite numbers in Paris, and other European cities, to discuss the practicalities of such schemes.
The Mayor said: 'I have seen the Paris Freedom Bike scheme, and discussed it with the Mayor of Paris.
'It clearly works and is highly popular.
'I am sure that we can learn from the success of the Parisian and similar schemes to expand access to cycling in London.'
Since Ken Livingstone became Mayor, London has seen an 83 per cent increase in cycling.
In the last year investment in cycling has increased by 50 per cent from £24million in 2006/07 to £36million in 2007/08.
Transport for London
