Barclays Cycle Hire scheme officially launches

Date: 30/7/2010

People in London have now got access to 5,000 bikes that will be available to hire at 315 docking stations across the city.

The Barclays Cycle Hire scheme has officially launched and 12,000 individuals have signed up to the programme, 6,000 of those have activated the keys that allow them to remove the bike from its dock.

Cycle enthusiasts can now use London's newest form of public transport 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Mayor Boris Johnson said his bid for the capital to "become the greatest cycling city" has taken a massive step forward.

"Overnight, racks have been filled with thousands of gleaming machines that will transform the look and feel of our streets and become as commonplace on our roads as black cabs and red buses," he added.

Earlier this month, Transport for London announced it will be running a number of guided cycle rides over the summer to support those who want to travel to work using the Barclays Cycle Hire scheme.

Posted by Nick Anderson