Barclays Cycle Hire / How it works

Docking station

Take a cycle, ride it where you like, then return it, ready for the next person.

Available 24 hours a day, all year round. It's self-service and there's no booking. Just turn up and go.

Best for short journeys.

How to hire

• Become a Member online
• Or buy access at any docking station with a credit or debit card

Then choose any cycle from any docking station. More about how to hire.

Costs

Costs are the same whether you're a Member or not, though Members can buy the most cost-effective (annual) access. More about costs.

You pay for the right to hire a cycle (access fee) and for the amount of time you've got it (usage charge).

Membership or casual use?

Compare membership and casual use.

Membership: Makes hiring easier. More about membership.
Casual use: Just walk up and use. More about casual use.

Problems picking up and returning cycles

If there are no cycles

when you get to a docking station, the terminal map shows where there are some nearby.

If the docking station's full

when you return your cycle, check the terminal to see where there are free docking points nearby. You can get up to 15 minutes extra time from the terminal if you need to cycle to another station.

Parking a cycle

You can only leave your cycle at a docking station. Don't leave it unattended anywhere else. If you have it for more than 24 hours you'll get a charged £150 for its late return.

Always return it to a docking point that's got no lights on and push it firmly into place. Wait until the light turns green to ensure the cycle's put back properly or we won't know you've finished with the cycle and will keep charging you. There's a five minute wait between returning a cycle and hiring another.

In case of an incident

Let us know if you're involved in an incident while using the scheme. Our first concern is for your safety.

It's very important that you let us know of an incident even if no one is hurt, as it may be that the cycle (or other vehicle) has suffered some damage. You need to call our Contact Centre on 0845 026 3630, who will instruct you what to do.