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The Barclays London Cycle Hire scheme is now well under way and is already proving a big hit with the cyclists of the Metropolis. The cycles themselves are strongly constructed affairs that look able to take plenty of abuse – which they will – without needing too much maintenance. They feature always-on lighting powered by hub dynamo to allow that late night ride home and have three gears but not much by way of carrying capacity. Some commentators have asked why helmets are not supplied, although the answer is surely obvious; anyone who prefers one would be better off supplying their own…
Some 6000 are available for hire, with around twice that number of members already signed up to the scheme. Casual use – hire by non-members – is on its way.
Barclays Cycle Hire
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A 20-point code of conduct fills one side of the scheme’s Terminal billboards and lists the usual dos and don’ts accepted or ignored by London cyclists.
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The Terminal billboard sports two maps, one showing the area within a five minute cycle or 15 minute walk, the other the area within a five minute walk. The latter, with its larger scale, also shows the location of the nearest alternative bike scheme Terminals in case all the parking docks at the immediate one are full.
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Bike Basket
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Except it’s not one; a basket, that is. One of the few serious criticisms aimed at the Barclays bikes is the lack of an effective carrying compartment. The structure on the front lacks side bars and is thus unable to keep stuff from falling out. Indeed, the design looks best adapted to the carrying of dogs or small children, which are not allowed despite its sturdy build.
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Membership Key Pad
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A nice touch is the red button pressed to alert the system that the cycle in the dock is damaged (or, presumably, under par in some way). Trucks carrying a selection of hire bikes may be seen travelling around London replenishing supplies and carting unserviceable bikes off for repair.
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Self-explanatory really, as such guides should be.
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Being crushed by a large vehicle turning left is perhaps the most significant of the potentially fatal hazards faced by cyclists in London. Barclays Cycle Hire bikes have a large warning sticker placed bang in the middle of the handlebar mount advising the rider to beware of precisely this possibility.
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For visitors from countries where the left-hand brake lever controls the front brake and for those wishing to pull wheelies there is a useful reminder on the brake cowling that the left-hand lever operates the rear brake. Perhaps even more useful is the instruction to the rider ensure that the green light comes on after the cycle is docked; failure to do so may add to the hire cost.
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The Barclays hire bikes are well-equipped, with an always-on front wheel dynamo hub powering front and rear lights that stay lit for two minutes after the cycle stops and a three-speed Shimano hub gear in the back wheel operated by twist grip. Shimano roller brakes are also fitted at the hub. Covers protect vulnerable parts.
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