HARINGEY Council has this week agreed to trial an electric bike hire scheme as an extension to London’s existing Barclays Cycle Hire scheme.
The pilot scheme will be funded by Transport for London using part of the Mayor’s £913m cycling budget. Commercial sponsorship is reported to be sought in addition, with the London Evening Standard saying Barclays has been given first refusal to back the latest scheme.
Haringey Council say the pilot scheme is subject to a feasibility study and planning permission. However, if it goes ahead, the hire scheme would see hundreds of electric bikes available for hire in Haringey, with routes and docking station locations subject to consultation next year.
Haringey Council will therefore shortly meet with TfL to conduct a study to develop the details of the scheme. Council leader, Claire Kober, said: “We’re really excited to welcome e-bikes to Haringey – and to become Britain’s first e-bikes borough.”
The Council aims to create a new network of safer ‘quietway’ cycle routes across the borough, linking town centres through back streets, off-road routes and parks to encourage more residents to leave their cars at home.
“This project with the Mayor of London underpins our commitment to being one of the capital’s greenest boroughs, and to promoting and rewarding greener travel through improved cycling facilities and sustainable transport across Haringey.”
Boris Johnson, a keen cyclist, has said the bikes will be available around Muswell Hill. “E-bikes are already big on the continent because they take the puff and pant out of cycling,” said the mayor. “Once again, London is leading the way in Britain with new cycling innovations and the elevated latitudes of Haringey are perfect for this trial.”
Editorial image courtesy of Flickr’s internets_dairy
