Transport for London and Santander have launched a search for interesting stories about using the capital’s cycle hire scheme which marks its tenth anniversary this Summer.
Launched on 30th July 2010, the scheme has expanded from an initial 315 docking stations spread across eight boroughs to now offer more than 12,000 bikes available from 781 docking stations and has seen more than 87 million hires made over its lifetime.
Five new docking stations will open along Cycleway 4 in the coming months and there are plans to further expand docking stations along Cycleways.
As well as the scheme’s 10th anniversary, TfL is marking the fifth anniversary of its sponsorship deal with Santander in May.
The deal, which has seen Santander proactively support the scheme and invest in a number of improvements including new lights for the bike fleet and a smartphone app, replaced an earlier and highly criticised deal with rival bank Barclays.
The two partners are promising a year of events, competitions and offers starting with the call for riders’ stories about using the scheme.
Each month a winner will be selected, and these 12 winners will be rewarded with a Santander Cycle named after them, free annual membership and other prizes.
People can share their experiences of the cycle hire scheme by emailing cyclehire10@tfl.gov.uk for a chance to win.
Details of the additional celebrations will be announced at a later date.
Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “The London cycle hire scheme has gone from strength to strength over the past decade, and like many I now couldn’t imagine our city without it.
“I’m delighted that the scheme is set to expand even further in 2020 to enable more Londoners to take to two wheels – helping improve our health and tackle congestion and air pollution at the same time.”
Helen Sharp, Head of Business Development for Cycle Hire at TfL, said: “Over the last ten years our cycle hire scheme has become part of the fabric of London life.
“The cycles have helped millions of people discover the joy of cycling and we want to thank everyone who has shared this incredible journey with us through a series of events, competitions and offers this year.
“We hope these celebrations will help inspire even more people to take to two wheels.”
Dan Sherwood, Interim Chief Marketing Officer, Santander UK, said: “It’s incredible to celebrate 10 years since the scheme launched.
“Over that time Santander Cycles has evolved to cover more than 100km2 of London, ensuring more communities than ever can benefit from the fantastic scheme.
“We look forward to another exciting year of success in 2020.”
