London,
13
July
2010
|
23:00
Europe/London

Hackney gearing up for launch of new cycle hire scheme

The Barclays Cycle Hire scheme is set to be launched at the end of the month, giving Hackney residents and visitors the opportunity to access a new, low cost form of transport to get around the capital.

Barclays Cycle Hire is a central London initiative aimed at providing an additional mode of transport that will compliment existing Transport for London operated Bus, Tube, Overground and Tram systems.

By encouraging more short journeys to be completed by bike, the scheme is yet another step towards making London a genuine cycle friend city and should help to alleviate the pressure on some of the existing, more frequently used methods of transport.

Over the few last months, cycles and docking stations have been assembled, tested, branded and programmed to be installed across the capital in readiness for use from 30 July. Once installation is complete, people will be able to pick up and drop off one of 6,000 hire cycles at around 400 locations across London’s zone one travel area.

Fourteen docking points located around the southern end of Hackney, including at East Road, Falkirk Street, Leonard Circus, Murray Grove, New North Road, Old Street, Shoreditch Park and Wenlock Road, means the CHS will be available to residents 24 hours a day, making it accessible to lower income households and encouraging social inclusion.

Councillor Feryal Demirci, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “The environmental and health benefits of cycling are well documented. Barclays Cycle Hire provides an environmentally sustainable form of transport, adding to Hackney’s green credentials and promoting healthier living amongst residents.”

A programme of road shows across central London has been launched. These will give Londoners all the information they need to sign up, saddle up and set off on Barclays Cycle Hire. Londoners will be able to see all of the kit including the final bicycle, docking points and terminals, plus information on the new Barclays Cycle Superhighways

The next road show closest to Hackney will be on 22 August 2010, 9am - 5pm, at Spitalfields Market, London E1 6AA.

For more information about Barclays Cycle Hire and to register your interest in the scheme, visit: www.tfl.gov.uk/barclayscyclehire