Tuesday, 19 March 2024
InfrastructureNewsPolitics

10.3 million trips makes 2016 a record breaking year for London Cycle Hire

2016 broke historical records for the London Cycle Hire scheme, with 10.3 million trips made, Transport for London has revealed.

Continuing into January 2017, which again broke records at 638,491 hires during a traditionally quieter period, the now Santander backed scheme clocked an annual 4.4% growth year-on-year.

Later this year, TfL will introduce a next-generation bike for Santander Cycles that retains the popular features of the existing model, but will be lighter and more manoeuvrable with smaller wheels, a lower frame, a new gear hub and a more comfortable seat. It is also expected that electric bikes will eventually feature within the hire fleet.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted that record numbers of Londoners are using our world-famous Santander Cycles to travel around the capital. Cycling helps to improve our health, air quality and congestion, and that’s why I’m investing record amounts to make it even safer and easier for all Londoners to take to two wheels.”

All 11,500 bikes available to Londoners underwent a small transformation during 2016, each fitted with a Blaze Laserlight. Meanwhile, TfL introduced a new Santander Cycles Business Accounts scheme, more bikes and docking stations, including at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

In total since the scheme was launched in July 2010, there have been more than 56m journeys.