Photo: Santander Cycles, via Twitter.
The Santander Cycles scheme will expand to Brixton later this year, making cycling ‘easier and more accessible’ for thousands more Londoners.
The Santander scheme is already one of the one of Europe’s largest cycle hire schemes and this extension will expand its reach south from Stockwell.
Seven new docking stations, providing space for up to 200 bikes, are to be installed across Brixton after funding was agreed with Lambeth Council.
Cllr Jennifer Brathwaite, Lambeth’s cabinet member for housing & environment, described the announcement as ‘excellent news for Brixton’.
The expansion builds on last year’s installation of eight new docking stations at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and comes after a record-breaking 2016, which saw 10.3m hires – 4.4% up on 2015.
This year there have already been more than 5m hires, with five of the six months beating year-on-year records for the number of journeys made.
Announcing the expansion, Sadiq Khan, mayor of London, said:
“We’re working hard to make cycling more accessible across London and this will make a real difference to those living in, working in or visiting Brixton. It’s another step forward in our work to improve air quality and the health of all Londoners.”
Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said:
“This record-breaking scheme continues to grow in popularity and with new bikes being introduced this summer, we can be sure it will help even more Londoners enjoy healthy and active travel around the capital.”
Cllr Brathwaite said:
“This all helps to make people fitter and healthier, reduces the congestion on our roads that is contributing to such poor air quality, and reduces the burden on other forms of public transport. I’d encourage everybody to give it a try and get cycling.”
11 July 2017