London bike hire scheme taking shape

London Bike Hire

The Mayor of London?s Cycle Hire scheme is on track for a May 2010 launch, as Transport for London (TfL) gets the planning application process underway.

Plans for the Cycle Hire scheme, inspired by Paris? Vélib scheme, moved a step closer today as TfL began submitting planning applications for around 400 cycle docking stations ? the locations where people will be able to pick-up and drop-off hire bikes in central London.

It forms a key part of the £111 million the Mayor and TfL are investing in cycling in 2009, helping to revolutionise conditions for people who want to cycle in the Capital.

Some say that Transport for London?s claims to be a cycling friendly city are also prone to exaggeration, not only because of the appalling state of the Capital's roads, but also because motorbikes are now allowed to use bus lanes!

Liege Bastogne Liege 2009

Above: an artist's impression of how the docking stations may look

RELATED LINKS:

London Mayor pledges 6,000 hire bikes for Capital

Are the wheels falling off the Vélib scheme?

London ready to deliver bike hire scheme

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