As of this morning (23 July), cyclists can sign-up to London's Barclays Cycle Hire scheme, run by the Mayor of London, Transport for London and Serco.
For £3, members will get an electronic key that will give them access to bikes across the city from next Friday (30 July) onwards. Hundreds of hire hubs have been put in place, covering areas such as Camden, Westminster and several of the Royal Parks.
Daily, weekly or annual passes cost £1, £5 and £45 respectively, and any journeys that last for less than 30 minutes will be free.
"From today, we’re offering Londoners their very own keys to the city in the guise of Barclays Cycle Hire membership," says Mayor of London Boris Johnson. "This scheme is set to become a new icon of the capital, and will enable thousands more people to cycle in our magnificent city."
For the first month, only Cycle Hire members will be allowed access to the rented bikes. Organisers hope this will allow them to monitor usage patterns and responses, after which they'll open access to casual users.
You must be 18 years old to sign-up to the scheme, and 14 years old or older to use a Cycle Hire bike.
For more information, visit www.tfl.gov.uk/barclayscyclehire.
