London moves nearer to cycle hire scheme

London this week moved one turn of the pedals nearer to a mass cycle-hire scheme of its own as companies were invited to register their interest in running a programme similar to the Vélib in Paris.

Once registered with the scheme, users will be able to pick up and drop off one of 6,000 bikes at 400 locations across the capital. It is estimated the capital will see an extra 40,000 daily cycle trips in central London by 2010.

Boris Johnson said of the scheme: “I believe that the work we are carrying out can make the capital a city of cyclists, where to use two wheels is common, not curious.”

London – a cycling city

Permission to build the bikes’ docking stations is required from nine London boroughs and the royal parks, but not all have signed up to date.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “London has already experienced a 91% increase on its major roads since 2000 – the London boroughs that are dragging their feet must not be allowed to delay this exciting project.”

How does Velib work?

Vélib is the largest system of its kind in the world – it has 20,000 bicycles and 1,450 docking stations each of which is equipped with an automatic rental terminal and spaces for bicycles. Users subscribe to the service and pay an hourly rate for rental, but the first 30 minutes is always free.

Do cyclists need insurance?

The short answer is yes. Bikes are vulnerable to theft and in the case of an accident cyclists may need to seek compensation or even deal with a claim by someone else. Cycle insurance from the ETA includes new-for-old replacement, third party insurance, personal accident cover and if you breakdown, they will even come out and recover you and your bike. More info

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Paris offers electric cars for hire

What is the ETA?

The ETA is a not-for-profit organisation providing motorists and cyclists with green breakdown cover and green insurance products. The ETA exists in order to campaign for sustainable transport – when you buy our services you help fund our charitable work.