London Cycle Hire

And you're insured (or extra insured if you already have it) too, which I didn't know about:

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/cycling/15026.aspx

Ah, this makes sense. Thanks Soul. Poorly worded IMO.

So my last quandry is, if you're allowed an extra 15 mins to dock if the initial docking station was full, how do they know?

https://web.barclayscyclehire.tfl.gov.uk/maps

Click a pin, and you'll see that they do know how many bikes are docked and how many spaces are free.

and the Dos and Donts
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/cycling/14810.aspx

and the Dos and Donts
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/cycling/14810.aspx
I had a read through these earlier, mostly just common sense/road law but I like the bit about helmets. "Do consider wearing a cycle helmet". Ok then, perhaps I'd better wear one, i'll just ride to the nearest cycle helmet hire point... oh.

wicksie, have you read the terms and conditions yet? No mention of 15mn, read below from the T&Cs:
.[/I]

We're clearly looking in different places.

https://web.barclayscyclehire.tfl.gov.uk/maps

Click a pin, and you'll see that they do know how many bikes are docked and how many spaces are free.

Quite but how do they know if you tried to dock within the 30mins and couldn't?

"If you are unable to dock a Cycle at the Docking Station of your choice due to the lack of an available Docking Point, you should **p[B]resent your Payment Card **(if you are a Casual User) or Key (if you are a Member) at the Terminal at the affected Docking Station[/B] and dock the Cycle at an alternative Docking Stations. The Terminal will state the period of time that you are allowed free of charge to enable you (and each Additional User) to dock the Cycle at a Docking Point at an alternative Docking Station."

I'm sick of see barclays everywhere already.

me too. i really like bikes. i really dislike banks. a problem indeed.

We're clearly looking in different places.

!!!!

We're clearly looking in different places.

Quite but how do they know if you tried to dock within the 30mins and couldn't?

The terminals quite clearly state that you get another 15m if all the points are full (which it knows). They know you've been at a docking point because you insert your membership key / card.

!!!!

yeah, sorry, I've looked a pictures, letters, websites, and all sorts. I can't remember where I saw what and am caught up with the Ride 2 work swiz that I don't have time to go back over it to find out where I read what.
I know I definitely saw these things though.

not one, single post mentioning the fact VB has a briefcase?

(my bike related comment: Velibs seem to win on the basket-related front)

Keo-spinz & backwards circles are ok then?

and mad air ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afE44cHNkEg

Had a go one at lunch - very very low geared but easy enought for non cyclists to use methinks.

One thing I noted is how high the riding position is compared to my usual drops. I'm 6ft and I could see over vans on this thing - rather useful in town.

Spotted one of these in Angel though - what the hell is that for?

In paris you seen them carting the velibs back from the popular stands to the suburbs in the evening. Perhaps ^ is for such a thing. Or repairs? Needs a few bungy cords, though

I cannot see how weight is a real issue. My sister and here boyfriend have old heavy town bikes. They feel fast and comfortable to me. As much so as a cheap hybrid and miles better than the type of MTB you see so many people riding on the road.

Bikes, even heavy/slow bikes, are still liberating in comparison to walking or public transport. The other day my chain broke, but I still rode the 4 miles home push-scooting. Was better than walking.

Is it the Multigrooves pub support vehicle?

Edit: DFP, they're a bit top heavy. And the kick stand has a tendency to fail.

I has a total vehicle boner.

(I have a thing for compact/micro trucks & vans)

Saw this car and trailer down the side of White Kennet St Post Office at lunchtime. Apologies for the terrible photography.

https://secure.bmtmarinerisk.com/files/barcar.jpg
https://secure.bmtmarinerisk.com/files/trailer.jpg

(my bike related comment: Velibs seem to win on the basket-related front)

I didn't understand why there was no basket, but my wife pointed it out - the British love to dump their rubbish in bicycle baskets, so they'd soon be really manky.

has clive mentioned his idea of an N E S W alleycat on the bikes? all free?

verr droll...

There's a bay right by where I work. Having a smoke the other day some officials on the bikes were checking everything was in order, so I had a chat to them. They were pretty exhausted from cycling from one bay to the next, but said they rarely cycle as they're involved in the project management side of the scheme. They complained that the bikes were heavy. They do look it, and the corporate sponsorship's a bit depressing. I really hope this scheme is a success though, and I think it's an exciting time for London.

Can we think of a better name than bloody BorisBikes?

Barclays bikes?