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Barclays Cycle Hire scheme will be open to ‘members’ only initially, and casual users are going to have to wait for another four weeks before they can make use of the service.
The decision to stagger the launch of the capital’s bike hire system was made to give TfL and contractor Serco the opportunity to learn from ‘pioneer’ members on how they use the scheme and their patterns of usage.
Members can sign up from this Friday (July 23rd). They are being urged to enrol at www.tfl.gov.uk/barclayscyclehire to receive their Cycle Hire key, which must then be activated before the scheme opens to members on July 30th.
TfL released a ‘how to’ video for the scheme last month.
“I call on Londoners to sign up from this Friday and become pioneer members of this fantastic new addition to our transport system," said Mayor of London Boris Johnson. "I know that in time our scheme will become a new London icon and enable many more people to cycle in our magnificent city. I look forward to seeing cycle hire and superhighways working in tandem to make London a cyclised city."
Chief executive of Serco Civil Government, Tom Riall, added: “After so much anticipation, we’re proud to be delivering Barclays Cycle Hire for the Mayor and Londoners.
"Pioneer members can register for this unique scheme from Friday, enabling them to hire a cycle from next Friday, July 30th. We will continue to take registrations throughout August and then open the scheme up to casual users. We urge all users to cycle safely.”
