Arnold Gets On His Bike

Arnold Schwarzenegger visited London recently and too a bike ride on the Barclays Cycle Hire Scheme bikes. He supported the initiative saying they were 'great for the world'. We love it when the Governator talks green, as he's been doing for years now.

Read more here. Click on the above image to see the Governator on his bike.

Where's the Hire Bike app

We've been receiving a lot of comments and emails following yesterday's post about the excellent mapping of cycle hire bike availability and been asked why can't it be in an iPhone app.

Well, the simple answer is - it is!

Again it's not made by Transport for London, but it's as good (if not better) than if it was! And it's free.

Learn more about it here.

On another note, apologies we are still not taking comments on our posts at present due to the sheer volume of comments we are receiving and would need to moderate. We hope to resume this service soon. Thanks for your patience.

Is there a Bike Available Now?

You can check if a cycle hire scheme bike is available LIVE on this website made (not by Transport for London) but someone at University College London.

See the locations and availability of the hire bikes here.

Thank you for your effort!

Barclays Cycle Hire Scheme: A User's View

Mary Delaney, 28, has signed up for the Barclays Cycle Hire Scheme and was attracted to the availability of a bike when she needs it.

Mary, thank you for talking to Itsuptoallofus. Can you just clarify for our readers how we met?

Mary: You approached me while I was taking a bike from this docking station. You asked a few questions about the scheme and we got talking. It's very nice to meet you!

Thank you, you too. How did you hear about the Barclays Cycle Hire Scheme?

Mary: I read about it in the Metro then went online and looked at the website. It looked like a good idea but I didn't think it would work until I saw the bikes and how easy everything was.

What attracted you to sign up and use the bikes?

Mary: I work not too far from here and am a financial consultant, I usually use the train and this is a more enjoyable way to get about as well as quicker. I don't need to wait for a bike too long.

So you've swapped public transport for the bike which is great and it's obviously helping you stay in fantastic shape, did you say you sometimes need to wait for a bike?

Mary: Thank you, I have to say cycling definitely helps with my legs which I hate with a passion when I'm working out in the gym. Yes, I like it when I get here or to another docking station and there's a bike there but sometimes there isn't and I usually wait around 5 minutes and one will be returned. It's better to wait for one rather than the train.

Would you recommend the cycle hire scheme to others?

Mary: I already have. People know I use it and it's great because I don't cycle otherwise. I've always wanted to but can't be bothered with the expense of a bike, storage and upkeep. I don't know how to change a tyre or anything, I just want to get on a bike and ride, and this allows me to do that. It's a bike when I need one and it's good to see others use it too.

Mary, thank you. Now on your bike!

Mary: Not my bike, Barclays' bike!

The MotherShip

Upon close inspection, it is clear this vehicle houses the Mothership of the cycles and the docking stations were refilled promptly and easily. To say I was left impressed is an understatement. These bikes are well used, have been received positively are being ridden by people who aren't avid cyclists and contributing to short journeys. Our conversation with Mary Delaney, 26 who we met in Southwark follows tomorrow.

Arrival

Continuing our observations of the London Barclays Cycle Hire Scheme last week, we noted shortly after the bike we just snapped was taken, a Barclays branded vehicle pulled up to the docking station.. to be continued..

Extreme Close Up

A close up of the docking station reveals a very simple design and instructions on how to ensure you've docked correctly and to be careful of turning traffic. I asked the lady who took this bike how often she cycled and she said she had wanted to but not buy a bike or maintain it, and this was perfect for her short journeys. We'll feature our interview with her right here next week.

Spotted in Southwark

There weren't many bikes left at this docking station in Southwark. There was a steady flow of happy people using the bikes, returning them correctly and taking them out. I managed to snap this pic before this bike disappeared a few minutes later. It's a great sight to see so many people on the road cycling with these bikes.

London's Cycle Hire Scheme Promotion

There are various posters across London for the cycle hire scheme. Here's one I spotted.

Cycle Hire London

More than 50,000 cycle journeys have been completed since the launch of Barclays Cycle Hire a week ago and ore than 32,000 people have signed up. To celebrate, we'll be dedicating the next few days to the scheme.

Cycle Hire Scheme

As you probably know by now, the Cycle Hire Scheme has hit London and received considerable uptake. Get on TfL's bike and use it to commute!

Recognize the Blonde?