Transport for LondonLondon cycle hire scheme
About the scheme
A new cycle hire scheme is due to be introduced to central London in 2010, similar to the successful Vélib scheme in Paris.
The scheme will allow you to pick up a cycle at a docking station, use it as you like, and then return it to any docking station.
Initially, cycles will be available in an area approximately equivalent to fare Zone 1 in central London, although the area may be enlarged and the number of docking stations and cycles increased in future.
Key facts
Approximate numbers for the planned launch will include:
This will provide a genuinely sustainable alternative to the car
- 6,000 cycles
- 400 cycle stations
- 10,500 docking points (allowing approximately 1.7 per cycle should ensure users can return bicycles to the docking point of their choice)
- An area of 43km2
The cycle hire scheme will:
- Be easy to use
- Be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- Alleviate congestion on the Tube and buses
- Offer a sustainable and low emission form of transport
- Provide a shift from car useage to cycling
- Be convenient for local residents, business travellers, leisure users and tourists
- Encourage local trips within central London
The scheme will offer an innovative addition to London's transport network. It will be good for London, good for Londoners and good for the environment.
We are working with the boroughs of Camden, City of London, Hackney, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Westminster, as well as the Royal Parks, to identify locations for the cycle stations. We intend to appoint a contractor in spring 2009 to design, build and operate the scheme.
For further information on any aspect of the scheme, please contact cyclehire@tfl.gov.uk.
Common questions
- Who can use the scheme?
- How much will it cost to hire a cycle?
- How do I find where I can hire or return a cycle?
- Will there be more cycles in the future?
Who can use the scheme?
The scheme will primarily be targeting Londoners, although by no means exclusively. People of all ages will benefit, whether commuting to work, shopping, going out for a recreational ride or perhaps out to dinner in the evening. The cycles will also be available to visitors to London. As the scheme is designed for people wanting to make short journeys, if you want to hire a cycle for a full day or longer, you may be better off using an existing cycle hire company.
How much will it cost to hire a cycle?
At this stage it’s too early to confirm costs, but it is likely that there will be a registration fee and a usage fee. Once registered, a deposit will be held against the user’s bank or credit card account, but only while the cycle is on hire. However, if the cycle is not returned within 24 hours, the account is likely to be charged in full. While the specifics are not yet known, hiring a cycle will provide an inexpensive and environmentally friendly way to travel around central London.
How do I find where I can hire or return a cycle?
Full details of all docking station locations will be available on the TfL website. Additionally, each docking station will also indicate the location of other nearby stations. It is thought that between eight and 11 docking stations will be located within each km² so you will never be far from a hire cycle when in central London.
Will there be more cycles in the future?
It is anticipated that following the initial launch of the scheme there will be further expansion, both in the number of cycles available and the area where the scheme will operate.
Feasibility study
TfL was asked to conduct a study to test the feasibiilty of introducing a cycle hire scheme in central London.
