London Cycle Hire

That would make sense then. I think there are vague ideas floating about to extend it further anyway (at least Jenny Jones has already said as much).

There are no plans to extend it AFAIK. No funding to do so either.

I did think of saying plans but then realised this wouldn't happen...so vague ideas was substituted. Wishful thinking I guess...

I thought there were plans to extend it not in geographical scope but with more stations and more bikes in the existing area. Nobody has any real experience of runningthese schemes long term, so who knows what the future holds?

Best thing about the cycle hire, is that it's entirely plausible to extend it further by just adding more docking station and bicycles.

^and increase the free riding time beyond 30 mins

I saw someone with one out here in E3, the nearest drop off point being E1. Idiots.

A nice surprise awaits them when they see their credit card statement...

Or perhaps our first stolen one?

the best thing for me about it, is that there's a bigger likeihood of getting more attention toward bike crime, since it's TfL/Barclay property, it gonna be a big deal to them.

free hire for all due to glitch on day 1
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-10828723

I don't see why anyone would steal one, they have serial numbers on the chain stays, and if you're seen riding a nicked one then you can be done for handling stolen goods.

The Velib has been stolen every now and then in Paris, there's no reason to not think that the London one will be immune to it.

It's possible to steal it, strip it off for parts and sell them, they have quality part (3 speed nexus, strong wheel, decent tyres, saddle tc.)

Also wouldn't they have to know who stole one because they couldn't go round stopping everyone on the same looking bike...right?

pretty much and anyone can nick their bike when the tourist leave it for a few minutes.

Or perhaps our first stolen one?

the best thing for me about it, is that there's a bigger likeihood of getting more attention toward bike crime, since it's TfL/Barclay property, it gonna be a big deal to them.

They would have done a cost benefit analysis. They'll have costed it so those honest people caught out by the ruthless pricing system will compensate for thievery

^^^ and the pricing system is pretty ruthless...

What... You think it isn't?

Oh no I totally agree.

"Late return charge £150 if you have the cycle for more than 24 hours or the access period runs out"That seems a little extreme imho.

Also 50 for 24hrs use of a bike also very steep.
You can hire a Brompton from Velorution for 3 days at that price.
I'm pretty sure somewhere in the information packs it says something along the lines of if you're looking to rent a bike for a long period of time this isn't the cheapest option. So it is something they have considered.

Essentially I agree with your above point about honest people footing the bill.

Sorry I'm a bit para. Thing is they still have to take a punt. When they did the trial, in Cambridge I think it was, the majority of bikes got nicked.

I can see a fair few going missing in London.
I think another problem in London is going to be some peoples will to destruct things. The amount of crippled wheels you see about the place where people have just kicked the s**t out of them. Some of the locations of these bikes are right outside of bars...I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Piper (my dog) was an immediate fan of the cycle hire scheme key

TFL Barclays Key fob damage charge: £250

TFL Barclays Key fob damage charge: £250

For real?

Though I wouldn't be surprised. It's only a 2p RFID tag encapsulated in a 12p bit of plastic afterall.

For real?

Though I wouldn't be surprised. It's only a 2p RFID tag encapsulated in a 12p bit of plastic afterall.

Ha! No, just £2 for a replacement. Although I didn't need a replacement. One of the two keys they sent me on Friday was broken. So I pried it open and took the little square chip/tag thing out and replaced it with the one from the mangled key. Little bit of glue and some tape and I was good to go. Used it yesterday with no issues.

rented one out for a friend on saturday - was actually very nice to be able to go for a bike with a couple of friends - lent one of my own to the guy, got the girl on the borisbike. She never cycled round london but they are sturdy enough to feel quite secure and ended up making her even more convinced to buy a bike when she goes back to NY. quite a lot of people stopped her and asked questions about the bike which was interesting.

we swapped a bike at a station halfway so as to not have to pay for the bike - worked well although a little bit annoying having to wait 5 minutes between docking a bike and being able to get another one. also, a bit annoying that they haven't got any facilities closer to Camden Town - closest is in the carpark by regents park or mornington crescent. I would have thought that Camden- being a large tourist hub would attract a few more bike stands, although I suppose they are scared of drunken friday night vandals.

The 5 minute delay is indeed a pain in the ass. If you pull out a dud bike and immediately want to return it, report it as damaged and grab another... you have a 5 minute wait on your hand. What a silly design choice by someone.