The Boris Bike scheme in London is a success by any measure; the scheme had notched up an incredible one million journeys by the time it was only ten weeks old. But however successful the bike hire scheme becomes, there are inevitably times when the bikes stand in their docking stations unused…until now.
Boris bikes in a spin
A resourceful group of London cyclists who enjoy ‘spinning’ (think aerobics class on exercise bikes) have taken to placing small rollers under the rear wheels of unused Boris Bikes. The result is an impromptu, alfresco and free spinning class.
What are the London cycle hire bikes like to ride?
The Barclays Bikes will be ridden off and into kerbs, dropped, scraped and generally made to work hard for a living, but a test ride suggests the bikes are up to the job.
Whilst not the lightest of machines, the bikes feel sure-footed on the road – a quality that will reassure novice riders. The gears are easy to operate and the bike’s lights are on permanently. Verdict: Well-designed, easy to ride and tough
The history of mass cycle hire schemes
| A history of cycle hire schemes | …the highs and the lows |
|---|---|
| The “White Bikes” project | in the 1960s free bikes were offered in Amsterdam, many of which ended their life in the canals |
| Copenhagen | a not-for profit foundation has operated a free-to-use bike hire scheme seasonally since 1995 |
| Bikeabout | Started in 1996 at Portsmouth university, this was the first electronically managed cycle hire scheme |
| Velib | The Paris scheme is popular but has suffered its own share of problem, including ‘Velib extreme’ – stunt riding that takes its toll on the bicycles |
Cycle insurance
Cycle insurance from the ETA includes new-for-old, cover for accidental damage, £1m third party insurance, personal accident cover and if you breakdown, we will even come out and recover you and your bike. Get an instant online quote below.
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