New Bike Rental Program in London to Promote Emission-free Transport

With all the twists and turns of the maze-like streets and the traffic circles and the black cabs and the double-decker buses, London is a scary proposition for any cyclist! In spite of that, a bike rental program has recently been launched in London to promote emission-free transport for the city dwellers and tourists.

The bike rental plan?

According to Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, 6000 new bikes will be available at 400 docking stations in London under this new system.

In a city where transport can cost one a pretty penny, this new system aims to provide an affordable alternative. Five pounds for a seven-day rental plan and 45 for an annual membership sound like fair deal compared to the often overcrowded and sweaty subway system and the slow cab service.

Besides if you’re a tourist, here’s an ideal way to glimpse London in a single ride around the city.

What’s not ideal however…

Is that the streets of London are congested as it is, and the heavy traffic often puts the safety of cyclists in doubt.

There are no separate bike paths in London unlike, for example in Amsterdam. Therefore the cyclists must exercise caution at all times, often having to resort to measures like wearing day-glow jackets or gloves or brightly colored backpacks.

Still, according to Mike Cavenett of the London Cycling Campaign, the health benefits of cycling outdo the risks by a factor of 20 and therefore the traffic is certainly no reason for one to be sitting on the couch at home eating chips instead.

Via:  huffingtonpost