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TfL will install 105 new Santander Cycles docking points around Network Rail stations in central London by the end of the year, boosting connectivity between different modes of transport and allowing commuters and visitors arriving into London to pick up a cycle easily.
New docking stations will be installed around Paddington, Blackfriars and Victoria stations, as well as near to Queensway Tube station, in the coming weeks. Customers who use the docking station along Tooley Street near London Bridge station will also benefit from an expansion of ten extra docking points for cycles.
Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: “Last year saw a record number of cycling journeys across London, and our Santander Cycles continue to be a huge success.
“Having more docking stations around key transport hubs will make it easier for people to cycle as part of their everyday routine, whether commuters heading to and from the office, or visitors travelling around our city.”
As part of the work to encourage people to get active during the festive period, TfL is giving everyone 24 hours of free access to Santander Cycles throughout December. Users should enter the code ‘SCXMAS19’ at the terminal, online or using the app, which will give them a day’s worth of 30-minute journeys at no charge.
Helen Sharp, head of cycle hire business development at TfL, said: “Cycling has multiple benefits – from keeping fit and improving wellbeing to getting around the capital in an easy, green and enjoyable way.
“Millions of people arrive into these major rail stations each day and by bringing Santander Cycles closer and making them more convenient we hope even more Londoners and visitors will use the scheme to cycle around the capital.”
This expansion follows a bumper year for Santander Cycles, with new docking stations installed, including at Victoria Park and at Westminster Pier, and plans announced for five new docking stations along Cycleway 4 in Bermondsey and Rotherhithe.
The scheme was part of London’s biggest ever Car Free Day celebrations in September, with free 30-minute hires on the day.
TfL also provided hubs at popular locations to ensure people were able to hire and dock bikes during peak times. Permanent hubs are in place at Waterloo, King’s Cross and Holborn and temporary hubs were in place over the summer, resulting in an increase in people hiring and docking.
Next year will mark ten years of cycle hire in London and five years of Santander sponsorship of the scheme and a series of events is planned for the year to celebrate this milestone.
