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The bike to be used in London's cycle hire scheme is set to be revealed today ahead of the capital's cycle show.
Four of the 6,000 hire bicycles will be on show and available for visitors to take on a simulator ride.
The Mayor said: "I am thrilled that Londoners can finally clap their eyes on these cracking machines."
The bikes are based on the "bixi" design used in Montreal which launched in May. The London version is dark blue with "London Cycle Hire Scheme" painted in mint green.
They do not have locks as they are designed to be based at the docking stations. Each has a space for carrying bags in front of the handlebars. The Cycle Show is at Earl's Court exhibition centre from today until Sunday.
Reader views (12)
Great, better than getting on the stinking tube. Any chance of some at Waterloo Station.
- David, London, 09/10/2009 09:39
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I read in this evenings Standard that Felicity Kendal and Jenny Seagrove are opposed to two proposed stations for these bikes being located in Kensington Gardens. I want to say that I fully support their campaign. I am a pedestrian and dog lover who enjoys walking through Kensington Gardens daily on the way to work. Every day I see near misses between reckless cyclists and children or dogs who are enjoying the freedom of the park. Most of these cyclists ignore the 'No Cycling' signs on pathways in Kensington Gardens and spoil the enjoyment of the park for walkers and dogs. So anything that encourages more of these self-centered cyclists to use the park cant be good. Instead of promoting cycling I'd like to know why public authorities like the GLA and RBKC are not cracking down on anarchic cyclists who ride on the pavement, run red lights and fail to stop when pedestrians like me are using zebra crossings.
- Saudade, Notting Hill, London, 09/10/2009 00:44
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There is a coat guard and a chain guard, look carefully, and they can be used without getting dirt. There is no lock on the bike as the lock is within the dock. You push the bike into the dock and the lock operates within a couple of seconds. This is much easier than using a conventional lock.
The concept is a great hit where it as been implemented, like in Paris, Montreal, Barcelona, Lyon,and many more. Here in Montreal where it was introduced in may, the system is working very well now, the bikes are in excellent condition, and a lot of people use it.
- Denis, Montreal, 08/10/2009 23:30
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I found the lock very useful on the Velib in Paris. You can actually stop to nip into a shop, and the destination parking was often completely full, and when you're late you just want to lock up, run to the meeting and pay the extra!
- D Read, London, 08/10/2009 20:33
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It looks absolutely beautiful, well done Boris.
- Kimberley, London, 08/10/2009 19:24
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I don't think so, Lol!!
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe Compound, EUSSR, 08/10/2009 16:46
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No locks. Give it a few months and....no bikes.
- Dom, London, 08/10/2009 15:11
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Don't worry Bob, I'm sure they are using hollow frame sections...
Bear in mind it will need to be able to survive crushing by lorries in London.
- Dannyp, Egham, 08/10/2009 14:58
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Anyone who wants to use one will have to pay a large deposit.
You will also require nerves of steel, in London traffic.
Make sure you've made your will before trying this.
- Jon R, London, 08/10/2009 13:49
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It looks great save for there is no Coat Guard/Skirt Guard over the back Wheel or Chain Guard and that Open Basket type thing on the front is not very good for holding your stuff.Your Bags and Briefcases are liable to fall out.The whole Idea of these Bikes is that anyone can use them in a Suit or everyday Clothes without getting them Dirty so Skirt Guards please Boris do it right. Also put in Dedicated Cycleways and no giving Parity to Cars,rather Cars should Yield to Bikes. Nice wide Dedicated Cycleways unlike the Skinny little Cycle Lanes Painted on the Roads and get Rid of all those Railings that are Trapping Cyclists. It is no good getting these Bikes without putting in a Safe Infrastructure.
- John Power, Dublin Ireland, 08/10/2009 13:36
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Bob your right and as a pedestrian I am not looking forward to the prospect of having a further 6,000 cyclists failing to stop at red lights on London's roads!
- Mark, South-East London, 08/10/2009 13:16
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It looks very, very heavy.
- Bob, Cheam, 08/10/2009 12:29
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