Ofo links with the London Cycling Campaign to plot 150,000 bike expansion in the capital

In plotting its course to the deployment of 150,000 bikes across the UK capital, Ofo has teamed the London Cycling Campaign as a strategic partner.

As discussed in CI.N’s recent interview with UK director Joseph Seal-Driver, the bike sharing giant has ambitions to turn London into a landscape reminiscent of Amsterdam with the deployment of bikes stretching from the inner city to the outskirts.

The LCC’s expert cycling advocates will now advise Ofo to help best meet the needs of London’s cyclists, councils and wider community.

Over the coming months this will mean LCC’s Cycling Projects team working with Ofo to organise a number of events to target new and returning cyclists. These events will combine LCC’s expertise in cycling advocacy in London and the deployment of Ofo’s large fleet of dockless bikes, now a third generation build. For example, LCC and Ofo are exploring the opportunity to place 200 bikes in West London Colleges as part of the charity’s Student Champion project.

Ashok Sinha, Chief Executive of LCC, said: “It’s hugely exciting for the London Cycling Campaign to be partnering with an innovative and responsible company like ofo. The potential market for cycle hire in London is huge, and we look forward to working with ofo to enable many more Londoners to enjoy the convenience and enjoyment of getting around by bike.”

The deal closely follows British Cycling’s exclusive link up with Mobike, considered to be Ofo’s largest competitor on the global stage. Like Ofo and the LCC’s partnership, the primary objective is to drive uptake of cycling through careful promotion and planning.

Joseph Seal-Driver, Operations Director for ofo UK, said: “This partnership will provide ofo with valuable expertise, while benefiting London and LCC by bringing a valuable and much needed service to the city. Together we will be able to transform the way that Londoners travel, getting more people cycling to slash pollution, ease congestion and boost health.

“We’re determined to be a responsible, ethical and sustainable operator. We employ staff directly and pay them the London Living Wage, hire local bike shops to maintain our fleet and only enter boroughs once we have permission from the local authority.”

Catch our full interview with Seal-driver, who also discusses outer-London plans, here.