Cycle hire scheme still has a very long way to go to reach its full potential

Speaking ahead of the fourth anniversary of the London cycle hire scheme (Wednesday 30th July), Caroline Pidgeon AM, leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, has published new evidence showing the cycle hire scheme has a long way to go to reach the usage per bike that was seen during the Summer of 2012. Her latest research confirms the importance of Transport for London making it easier for people to use the cycle hire scheme, including through new payment methods such as by Oyster and contactless payment.

Commenting on the latest figures for usage of the scheme, Caroline Pidgeon said:

“The two expansions of the cycle hire scheme over the last four years actually mask the fact that there has been a decline in the average use of each bike. We are nowhere near putting every bike to good use as was seen back in the Summer of 2012.

“Even in June this year each bike was only used between 3 or 4 times a day. The warm weather we have seen this Summer, which has been great for cycling in the capital, cannot hide the fact that we have a very long to go before the cycle hire scheme reaches its full potential.

“Considering the two huge expansions of the cycle hire scheme that have taken place since 2010 the total ridership figures should now be significantly higher than they currently are. Put bluntly the scheme has got bigger but use of each bike has fallen.

“It is time TfL dusted down their proposals to make it easier to use the cycle hire scheme and ensured people can use the cycle hire scheme using Oyster and contactless payment. New forms of payment would ensure each and every bike was put to much greater use.”