London Free Cycle Hire
London Cycle Hire
London free cycle hire began on 30 July 2010. Officially known as Barclays Cycle Hire, the scheme is a city-wide programme for free bike rental in central London.
London free cycle hire is similar to programs in other cities, most notably Velib’ in Paris.
6,000 bikes are spread out over at 400 docking stations spaced every 300 metres across Zone 1 in central London. After paying a nominal registration fee, cycle hire is free of charge for up to 30 minutes of riding.
After 30 minutes of free cycle hire, the cost increases to 1 GBP for an hour, 6 GBP for two hours, and 35 GBP for six hours of cycling.
London cycle hire bikes are dark blue and silver, have three speeds, and feature flashing LED lights, tough tyres, a bell, a chain guard, and a strap for carrying small items.
Bikes are slow and heavy in order to discourage theft, but they are great for short rides through central London, particularly for those wishing to avoid taxis and the tube.
With London’s cycle superhighways now open, London free cycle hire makes biking around the city even easier.