Hundreds of distinctive hire bikes could be seen on the streets of Islington if planners approve sites for around 25 'cycle docking stations' in the south of the borough.
The Mayor of London's London Cycle Hire scheme, due to be introduced in May 2010, will see 6,000 bikes and 400 cycle docking stations in Transport for London's (TfL's) Zone 1 travel area. Within the zone, no-one will be more than 300 meters - or two minutes' walk - from a hire bike.
In Islington, the Zone 1 area lies south of Pentonville and City Roads.
Local consultation on the precise location of the cycle docking stations in Islington starts this summer.
The London initiative follows the hugely successful Parisian 'Velib' scheme and aims to cut congestion and pollution in the capital because more people will make short trips under pedal power rather than by vehicle.
Kevin O'Leary, Islington Council's Director of Environment and Regeneration said:
"Islington residents will now get the opportunity to experience the freedom and convenience of bike travel without the need to own a bike.
"The Parisian bikes are now an iconic part of their great city and London's bikes could be the same here.
"Cycling is a great way to avoid traffic jams and keep fit."
ENDS
Note:
The cycle hire scheme will be available in the boroughs of Camden, Hackney, Lambeth, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Southwark, Tower Hamlets and Westminster, City of London and Royal Parks in central London.
Details of the cost of the scheme and how it will operate will be available from TfL later in the year.
Page Last Updated: 12 June 2009