Barclays Cycle Hire

[gaz]

Yesterday the first test cycle hire station was built in Southwark Street. A further one was compleated today and two more are currently being built.
Below are a few pictures as to how they look.

A video was released today as a tutorial on how to use and what you should do with the bikes in various situations. very well thought out.

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hChuqzTud4


Read more on my blog, including a link to all the planned locations of the hire stations.

 

[marinyork]

A map and a sign next to it, that's almost sensible!

 

[gaz]

A map and a sign next to it, that's almost sensible!

It also has a computer screen, if the station is full it will show you the way to the next station and add some time to allow you to get there. I wonder how much a contractor milked then for that idea.

 

[gaz]

A video of it being installed
View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFdNf4bkl-A

 

[dellzeqq]

they're going in on Rosebery Avenue, close by Sadlers Wells. It's all quite exciting!

 

[Bromptonaut]

Quite interesting watching the installation. These started in the winter by WH Smugs in Holborn and also in Montague St by the British Museum.

Groundworks and services go in first but after making good just a line of square steel covers reamin bolted to the road. Presumably these conceal all the necessary connections and all that is then needed is for the parking stands and pay station to go in. Thought nearest to the office was going to be Bell Yard but they're just in process of putting one in across the end of Bream's Buildings. Literally across the road - very good for the days when I can't use the Brommy.

 

[ianrauk]

Here you go Morty old bean...

That's interesting. What sort of bikes will they use? (I tried the YouTube link, but it just sent a generic "Today is Tuesday" page.

 

[Bad Company]

I read that they had chosen Canadian made bikes which is a shame.

Also I would not like to cycle in London without my helmet. Still it offers another choice of how to get around which must be good.

 

[gaz]

Quite interesting watching the installation. These started in the winter by WH Smugs in Holborn and also in Montague St by the British Museum.

Groundworks and services go in first but after making good just a line of square steel covers reamin bolted to the road. Presumably these conceal all the necessary connections and all that is then needed is for the parking stands and pay station to go in. Thought nearest to the office was going to be Bell Yard but they're just in process of putting one in across the end of Bream's Buildings. Literally across the road - very good for the days when I can't use the Brommy.

My nearest station is RIGHT outside my office. YEAH

 

[marinyork]

Good work. Let us know if someone plots all the docking stations or draws a decent map of them.

 

[Bromptonaut]

Good work. Let us know if someone plots all the docking stations or draws a decent map of them.

I cannot understand why that info is not already on TfL's website. Can see those near the office but where's the nearest to Euston?

 

[srw]

Good work. Let us know if someone plots all the docking stations or draws a decent map of them.

I picked one up at Aldgate tube a couple of days ago. It's part of the leaflet from TFL that introduces and publicises the scheme.

 

[marinyork]

I'm sure someone can do it bromptonaut. The 397 station road and postcode locations don't mean anything to me, not being familiar with London though.

I believe by pure guess work looking at the coordinates that Doric Way may be the closest to Euston.

 

[zimzum42]

One problem is that sometimes you get to the station you want to dock at and there are no free spaces. I found this in Vienna and had to wait around for someone else to take a bike out...

Fine if you're a tourist and just pootling around, not so good if the station outside your office is full.

But then I don't think this scheme is intended for London's office workers...

 

[Bromptonaut]

I'm sure someone can do it bromptonaut. The 397 station road and postcode locations don't mean anything to me, not being familiar with London though.

I believe by pure guess work looking at the coordinates that Doric Way may be the closest to Euston.

I cannot even find that infomation; all that's on the TfL webpage is a general map of the scheme area.