Estate agents are reporting a surge in interest for properties with convenient access to the Barclays Cycle Hire scheme.

The scheme, which launched with 315 docking stations and 5,000 bikes in July, already has more than 70,000 subscribers.

And proximity to docking stations and Cycle Superhighways – two of a proposed 12 routes are currently in operation – are top of prospective tenants and buyers wish lists, according to the Evening Standard.

Stephen Ludlow, director of Ludlow Thompson, said: “Demand for properties for rent around docking stations and cycle routes has gone up by about a third in the past year, and has been soaring since the launch of the cycle hire scheme.

“Our agents have been inundated with questions from prospective tenants about the nearest docking station.

“They have been asking for properties with one on the street or just around the corner.”

Edward Mead, sales director of Douglas and Gordon in Chelsea, added: “The bikes are so impressive, they will put up rental prices. My only whinge with them at the moment is that they are very much only in the centre.”

Angel, the City and Elephant and Castle have been highlighted as the areas benefitting most from the scheme, which is currently only available to those who pre-register.

Londoners took to two wheels to combat Tuesday’s Tube strike and contractor Serco has struggled to cope with demand since the launch.

But Transport for London insist they still plan to expand the scheme, which is currently restricted to central London.

“Phase two of the hire scheme is being investigated and TfL is studying ways of expanding the scheme,” said a TfL spokesman.

“This could include extending it to the east of London in time for the Olympics, and adding to the number of docking stations in the existing cycle hire area.”