Caroline Pidgeon, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Transport Spokesperson, recently visited Waterloo Station to find out more about South West Train's new folding bike hire scheme for commuters.
The scheme, which is the very first organized by a rail network company, involves South West Trains joining forces with Brompton Bicycle to encourage passengers to cycle as part of their daily journey from home to work.
The pilot started on 11 February 2009 and will run until the end of May. The scheme involves 50 folding Brompton Zefal bikes which can be hired for free by season ticket holders, subject to just a £100 deposit. The bikes come with lights and a holding bag to store the folded bike as well as a storage bag for the front of the bike. So far over 30 of the folding bikes have already been hired out, with all the hirers taking up the offer for the maximum three month period.
After visiting the scheme Caroline said:
"This is an excellent scheme which is promoting cycling and leading to a few less people driving from home to the station in the morning. Brompton bikes are an incredible development for commuters and I congratulate South West Trains for getting this scheme established.
"I have already asked that staff at City Hall are made aware of the scheme. I hope many other employers in the area include the bike hire scheme as part of their green travel plans."
"Having now visited the scheme I really hope it becomes permanent at Waterloo Station but is also rolled out to other stations."