TfL and Santander have announced plans to celebrate the tenth anniversary of cycle hire in the Capital, with a series of events, competitions and offers throughout 2020.
TfL launched London’s flagship cycle hire scheme on 30 July 2010, with 315 docking stations located across eight London boroughs. Now sponsored by Santander, there are more than 12,000 bikes available from 781 docking stations.
Over the last decade, users have made more than 87 million hires, with more than 10 million hires recorded in 2019.
New docking stations recently opened at key transport hubs, including Victoria and Paddington railway stations, while this spring, five new docking stations will open along Cycleway 4 in Southwark.
Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: “The London cycle hire scheme has gone from strength to strength over the past decade, and like many I now couldn’t imagine our city without it.
“I’m delighted that the scheme is set to expand even further in 2020 to enable more Londoners to take to two wheels – helping improve our health and tackle congestion and air pollution at the same time.”
‘Unique’ prizes for the scheme’s ‘most dedicated’ users
Celebrations to mark 10 years of cycle hire in London will begin with a search to find the scheme’s most dedicated users.
TfL and Santander are searching for people who used the scheme within its first year, have completed the most journeys or have a unique story to share about the cycles.
Each month a winner will be selected, and these 12 winners will be rewarded with a Santander Cycle named after them, free annual membership and other ‘unique prizes that money can’t buy’.
For a chance to win, people can share their experiences with TfL via email.
Helen Sharp, head of business development for cycle hire at TfL, said: “Over the last ten years our cycle hire scheme has become part of the fabric of London life.
“The cycles have helped millions of people discover the joy of cycling and we want to thank everyone who has shared this incredible journey with us through a series of events, competitions and offers this year.
“We hope these celebrations will help inspire even more people to take to two wheels.”
07 January 2020