Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Still, London isn't (yet) ideal for biking. Although the streets are relatively unconges-
ted, the network of designated bike lanes is far from complete, and the city's many one-
way streets (not to mention the need to bike on the “wrong” side) can make biking here
a bit more challenging than it sounds. If you're accustomed to urban biking, it can be a
good option for connecting your sightseeing stops, but if you're just up for a joyride, stick
to London's large parks.
Barclays Cycle Hire bikes, intended for quick point-to-point trips, are fairly easy to
rent and a giddy joy to use, even for the most jaded London tourist. These “Boris Bikes”
(as they are affectionately called by locals, after cycle enthusiast and mayor Boris John-
son) are cruisers with big, cushy seats, a bag rack with elastic straps, and three gears.
Approximately 600 bike-rental stations are scattered throughout the city, each
equipped with a computer kiosk. To rent a bike, you need to pay an access fee (
£
2/day or
£
10/week). The first 30 minutes are free; if you hang on to the bike for longer, you'll be
charged (
£
1 for 1 hour,
£
4 for 1.5 hours,
£
6 for 2 hours, and much steeper beyond that).
When you're ready to ride, press “Hire a Cycle” and insert your credit card when
prompted. You'll then get a ticket with a five-digit code. Take the ticket to any bike, then
