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Boris cycle hire station in the City may be blocked
Ruth Bloomfield05.11.09
City chiefs are fighting plans to install a docking station for Mayor Boris Johnson's flagship bike hire scheme near St Paul's Cathedral.
The Corporation of London is poised to refuse planning permission for the 21-bike station, plus payment terminal, at King William Street.
A report on the plan, to be considered by the corporation's planning and transportation committee next week, claims the 25-metre docking station could endanger workers and tourists.
It is the second time the corporation has attempted to block plans for a stand on the site, which is on an approach to London Bridge Station. This summer it refused plans for an even larger stand, prompting Transport for London to scale back its plans.
However, the City still feels the bike stand is a risk.
"The City of London Corporation supports the principle of providing a sustainable transport system through the Mayor's cycle hire scheme," the report states. But it adds: "The proposals would endanger public safety."
The Mayor intends to have 400 docking stations across Zone 1.
Reader views (6)
Ah, the well-known dangers of bicycle stands. I was killed by one only this morning. What utter nonsense.
- Steffan Davies, London, UK
He should ask them for their TfL cycling grant back, they do nothing for London's cyclists!
- Steve Who Actually Lives And Works In London..., Hackney
Mcw, You do realise king william st extends on to London
bridge, where the is plenty of space.
- Alan, London
The city chiefs have adopted a peculiar posture. How can the proposals for a bike stand endanger public safety? Or am I reading something wrong? Surely, only reckless behaviour by the cyclists themselves would do that.
- Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands
Looks like another case of "on your bike Boris."
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex
I'm confused as to where you could possibly cram a 25 metre bike docking station in on King William Street! Never mind safety, I bike along there every day and there's barely space for the thousands of other cyclists, pedestrians, buses, vans, cars and lorries that sit in jams along the street every day. There is literally zero metres of spare space let alone 25. Are you sure this is correct? Were they intending to build it underground?
- Mcw, London
