A major active travel scheme in London is being boosted by significant improvements, as Transport for London looks to make transport easier, more sustainable, and more attractive for communities.
With environmental and health benefits, London is one of many cities around the country that has introduced active travel opportunities for residents, and further improvements are being made through expansion and new structuring. This expansion will see an additional 1,400 electric bikes added to the city’s fleet, bringing the number up from 600 to 1,200. The e-bike scheme was introduced in 2022 and has led to more than 750,000 hires since. This has meant a doubling in the number of hires per day in comparison to standard bikes.
Alongside the expansion of the scheme, a new payment structure is being introduced to ensure that Londoners and visitors can access active travel with increased value. The new pass will allow users to pay £3 for unlimited bike hires of up to 30 minutes across the space of 24 hours. Should users wish to hire e-bikes, they will be available for an additional £1 per half-hour, as opposed to the £3.30 per half-hour that they would otherwise pay. This is supporting an increased take-up of active travel across the city, benefitting the health of residents as well as the city’s sustainability goals.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London said:
“I'm delighted that we're adding a further 1,400 new e-bikes to the fleet, almost tripling the number available to hire. The e-bikes have proved hugely popular since they were introduced and help break down the barriers that stop some people from cycling. The new day pass rate will also make Santander bikes one of the most affordable ways to travel in the capital.
“I'm determined to continue building a cleaner, greener and more prosperous London for everyone, and Santander Cycles plays a hugely important role in making active travel around the city as accessible as possible.”
Head of Cycle Hire at TfL, David Eggington, also commented:
“Santander Cycles is a vital part of London's transport system, and we are constantly looking for ways to improve the scheme, as well as making it as accessible as we can. Santander Cycle e-bike usage in the capital is now more popular than ever so these additional e-bikes will allow more people to be able to access them. We've also listened to our customers regarding our fare tariff and are introducing a Day Pass to give people making multiple journeys in a day certainty about the overall cost of using the scheme.
“Santander Cycles has played an important role in encouraging more people to cycle and we look forward to seeing more Londoners making use of both the scheme's e-bikes and mechanical bikes to ensure a greener and healthier future for everyone in London.”
Image credit: iStock
