The docking stations are spread out across the borough
The Barclays Cycle Hire Scheme will go live in Wandsworth next week.
The docking stations are spread out across Battersea,Wandsworth Town and Putney’s transport hubs and town centres.
“After years of campaigning we have just one week left to wait until these popular blue bikes roll into action on the streets of South West London,” said Councillor Russell King, Wandsworth Council transport spokesman.
“We see this extension as the first step towards complete borough-wide coverage. The job’s not done until every home is within easy reach of a Boris bike.”
The scheme will be a valuable addition to the area’s transport network which can help reduce traffic jams and ease overcrowding on our tubes, trains and buses.
Founder of Bee’s Pantry, a boutique lunch and supper delivery service in South West London, Briony Peters said: “I think that bringing the bikes to Wandsworth and the surrounding area will be great for all residents.”
“They speed up local chores, are very cost effective for users, make us more social and are fantastic for burning calories.”
“All my deliveries can be made on a bike rather than by car, it combines my daily exercise with my work, lowers carbon emissions and petrol costs which are all huge pluses,” she said.
“Small businesses will benefit from the bikes because users will be more willing to pop on a bike to a local store to shop for one or two items when they need something.”
The council is offering free cycling safety training to help more local people gain the skills and confidence they need to try cycle hire.
However Battersea Park and Wandsworth Friends of the Earth volunteer Kyle Christie, 27, believes that while the scheme’s launch in Wandsworth is largely positive, it is not without concerns.
“The council are offering free cycle training but the behaviour of car and lorry drivers is just as important in ensuring those cycling are safe,” said Mr Christie.
“There should be a lot of publicity, from both the Council and TFL, aimed not only at promoting the hire scheme but also at ensuring drivers know what to expect.
“If we’re going to encourage people onto hire bikes, we need the infrastructure to ensure they are safe.”
To find your nearest docking point visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/cyclehire
To find out about cycle training visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/cycling
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