Boris Johnson’s London cycle hire scheme launched on July 30th 2010 in what was described as a “soft” launch to test and iron out any initial teething problems. To date, only people who have registered on the Transport for London (TFL) website and paid £3 for a membership key plus the appropriate access fee, either £1 for 24 hours, £5 for 7 days or £45 for 12 months, can use the Boris bikes.
The full roll-out allowing casual users to hire a bike using their credit card will happen once initial teething problems are resolved. Here are some insider tips from various blogs like the London Cyclist on how to get round some of the problems experienced in the first two weeks.
Barclays London Cycle Hire Scheme
One of the biggest complaints about the London cycle hire scheme in the first few days was the lack of empty docking stations, especially at popular locations like Waterloo rail station. If a docking station is full, users can insert their key card and get an extra 15 minutes to find an empty station as indicated on the terminal screen but on arrival, these were also often full; not exactly amusing for busy commuters in a rush to get to work.
Early users recommend having a back-up plan of at least two other docking stations, one in a prominent location and the other in a side street to increase the chances of finding somewhere to leave that Boris bike.
How to Spot a Boris Brick
The sturdy Canadian-built Boris bikes have been designed to minimize vandalism but that means they are also quite heavy and many users have reported brakes sticking as they are set too tightly. The so-called Boris “brick” is short for a bike that is virtually impossible to pedal, easy to spot as it is often the only bike left at a docking station.
Users are advised to check their bike before using but if there is a problem, you have to wait five precious minutes before being able to re-insert your key card to release another bike. Here’s how to get round this problem:
- Do a front wheel spin test by lifting the bike underneath the front carrier while still on the stand and spinning the front wheel; if it sticks, leave the bike where it is.
- Do a rear wheel spin test by lifting the bike under the saddle and repeating the process.
- Petite riders may be unable to do the wheel spin test with the bike docked but if quick, the bike can be released, wheels spun and the bike re-docked without having to wait five minutes; the software has a built-in delay of a few seconds for this very purpose.
Cheap London Transport
The new bike scheme sponsored by Barclays offers cheap London transport for just 12p per day for those paying the annual access fee. Regular users have reported that the ride is a bit slow on the flat due to the 3 speed hub gearing and that the saddles are pretty uncomfortable, but the bikes are only intended for short journeys.
Indeed, the TFL website actually states that as costs increase sharply with longer use, 6 hours for example costs £35, users may be better hiring from an alternative company. Of course, a thrifty rider with plenty of time can simply ride from one station to another and ride all day for free as there is no charge for the first 30 minutes.
Register for the London Cycle Hire Scheme
Despite some inevitable teething problems, most users have positive feedback on the London cycle hire scheme. So choose the eco-friendly way to get around London and register for one of the new Boris bikes. Just avoid picking a stiff unwieldy machine and getting stressed trying to find somewhere to dock your bike by using the tips above.
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Also of interest may be
- London Cycle Hire Scheme Launches with Sturdy Boris Bikes
- Why Buy a Brompton Folding Bike?
- How to Choose a Folding Bike
- Best Riding Practice for Cyclists to Prevent Back Pain
- Best Women’s Bike Shorts padded for Comfort with a Chamois Liner
Helen Smeaton - Helen Smeaton runs a cycling and hiking business and is also a freelance writer and web designer. Read her profile for more information
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