Boris hire bikes in the wrong places?

[GrumpyGregry]

How to hobble your own cycle hire scheme and guarantee it's less effective than it could be...

TFL aren't claiming the 'day one' situation is the ultimate goal. Over time, if uptake of the scheme merits it, the number of docking stations will increase, just like that of other urban centres.

I wonder if you had docking stations in close proximity to London Bridge how many bikes would need to be there pre rush hour and how many empty docks would need to be in place in the City.

 

[StuartG]

just left Euston station. Docking station very close with still some bikes after morning rush hour. Blank plates suggest they plan to add more docking points shortly.

Applied yesterday for my two keys (£8 including first 24 hour access). So hopefully trying them this weekend. I do hope it a success despite the ignorant letters in today's Metro. Why is this nation so negative?

 

[ianrauk]

Indeed, it seems to be in the nature of British people. Build it up then knock it down.

just left Euston station. Docking station very close with still some bikes after morning rush hour. Blank plates suggest they plan to add more docking points shortly.

Applied yesterday for my two keys (£8 including first 24 hour access). So hopefully trying them this weekend. I do hope it a success despite the ignorant letters in today's Metro. Why is this nation so negative?

 

[jujubi]

Has anybody read anything on when they'll start the casual access via debit card? I mean anything less vague than "soon"?

 

[CopperBrompton]

September, I believe.

 

[LazyCat]

Pretty much the same as the Paris Velib scheme, where bikes aren't next to Metro stations, train stations or major tourist attractions; just near-ish The closest one to the Eiffel tower is a good 7/8 minute walk away. It is probably not very comfortable for commuters, but it's not much of an issue for most other users. Using the Parisian bikes over the weekend meant not having to use the Metro/train in Paris at all, so the fact that it wasn't close to a metro/train station was largely irrelevant.

Despite the issue of location, it works very well indeed and is used extensively by Parisians and tourists alike. I was amazed by the tolerance and courtesy from Parisian drivers (with the notable exception of mopeds and motorcycles), despite newbie cyclists going all over the road, on pavements, stopping at random places, etc.

If the take-up in London is the same as Paris, motorists may be in for a surprise.

 

[hackbike 666]

Only seen one Boris Bike to date...Outside Waterloo...also only know of two docking Stations.....

Stamford Street (Near Waterloo Rounderbout)
and between Blackfriars and Mansion House.

 

[skrx]

 

Only seen one Boris Bike to date...Outside Waterloo...also only know of two docking Stations.....

I saw 10 on my way in to central London after work yesterday (I cycled into Zone 1 at High Street Kensington, and went to St James' Park). I probably saw about 200 bicycles in total though. 


The friend I met in the park said he'd seen "loads" as he'd wandered around the West End all day.

Going from St James' Park station to the Victoria Embankment I passed two hire points, but in the last couple of weeks I've passed about 10. Handy map: http://www.londoncyclehire.org/

 

[hackbike 666]

Thanks dude...although money is tight so I haven't signed up (yet)