TfL invites pitches for London cycle hire scheme

JCDecaux currently holds the contract to operate a cycle hire scheme in Paris, while Clear Channel holds the contract for a similar service in Barcelona.

After conducting a feasibility study, TfL said today (18 November) that May 2010 was an achievable launch date for a London scheme.

Under TfL’s current plan, people will be able to pick up and drop off bikes for hire at 400 locations across nine London boroughs.

The initial plan is for 6,000 bikes, which are expected to be used for 40,000 daily cycle trips in central London.

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, said: If we are to get more Londoners on to two wheels rather than four, we need to provide the facilities to help them do so."

The cycle hire scheme will be based in the zone one areas of the London boroughs of Camden, Hackney, Lambeth, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Southwark, Tower Hamlets and Westminster, as well as the City of London. People will also be able to rent bicycles from several Royal Parks in central London.

Companies wishing to register their interest in designing, building, operating and maintaining the London cycle hire scheme should visit https://tfl.bravosolution.com.