The next generation of Santander Cycles – which provide riders with increased handling, safety and comfort – have arrived in the Capital.
The new cycles, designed and built by Pashley Cycles, feature tyres with puncture prevention and improved front and rear ‘Blaze’ lighting.
Designed to make riders more visible and increase their confidence on the roads, the new lighting comprises a brighter brake light and a ‘greatly enhanced’ Blaze Laserlight, with 180° visibility, on the front of the bike.
Other features on the new Santander Cycles include a gel saddle, lower frame, new gear hub and Bluetooth.
2016 was a record-breaking year for Santander Cycles with 10.3m hires – up 4.4% on 2015. So far in 2017, there have been more than 8.7m hires, with five of the nine months setting year-on-year records for the number of journeys made.
Santander Cycles will also extend into Brixton during 2017, with seven new docking stations providing space for up to 200 bikes to be installed across the borough this winter.
Sadiq Khan, mayor of London, said:
“Tens of thousands of Londoners and tourists enjoy using the (Santander) bikes to get around our city every day, so by making them more comfortable and manoeuvrable we’re hoping they’ll be even more popular. That’s good for our health, our air quality and for tackling congestion.”
Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said:
“Santander Cycles are a brilliant way for all abilities to experience cycling around London. They’ve become a real icon of the capital’s streets, appealing to commuters and visitors, so I’m really pleased that we can make them even easier to use.
“I’ve no doubt that these upgraded bikes are going to help us break more records and encourage even more people to take to two wheels.”
01 November 2017