With the Barclays Cycle Hire scheme in London celebrating its first birthday (happy birthday from Cyclo) the Mayor, Boris Johnson, has announced the sponsor’s additional £25million pledge to expand the massively successful initiative westwards. Speaking at celebrations in the Westfield’s shopping centre – who will themselves part fund new docking stations at the complex – Johnson announced plans to bring the scheme (most commonly and fittingly known as Boris Bikes) to Wandworth, Hammersmith, Lambeth and Kensington and Chelsea; all of which is expected to be complete by 2013. Meanwhile expansion east is also under way with additions through Shoreditch and Tower Hamlets and on to Canary Wharf with 8,000 new bikes and 14,400 docking stations which should all be in place in time for the 2012 Olympic Games.
It’s estimated that in the 12months since the schemes initial launch that some 6million bike journeys have been made – a testament to its success and popularity. Johnson commented on the anniversary, “By working together we are putting thousands more Londoners on two wheels”, whilst Bob Diamond, Barclays Chief Executive described the scheme as “pioneering” and one that, “makes a positive difference to everyday life in London, its people and its economy.”
