London has recently launched a cycle hire scheme for commuters. First of all, I have to say I get such a kick out of the word "scheme". I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before, but in US English the word scheme has a negative connotation. I can’t help picturing Mayor Boris rubbing his hands together with a maniacal laugh and his white hair hanging all over the place.
Anyway, the idea is to setup bikes at numerous locations throughout the city for people to hire for brief period of time. There’s a fee to join the program, then I think if you ride for less than 30 minutes the actual ride itself is free. Thing is, if you ride all day things can get pricey. So the purpose is not to give bikes to those that don’t have them, i.e. you wouldn’t take one of these and ride it around the park for a day – it’ll cost you like 50 quid.
I think it’s a great idea, and I admire London for stepping up and trying something like this. Nothing ventured nothing gained.
Posted by Aaron Miller – Postcard Intellect on 2010-08-08 21:46:17
Tagged: , Bike , London , bicycles , scheme