Record numbers using TfL’s Santander cycle hire scheme

Memberships for Transport for London’s (TfL) Santander cycle hire scheme have risen by 157 per cent over the last year compared to 2019.

Total hire numbers increased by around 6,000 hires in 2020 to 10,434,167 according to data released by TfL.

Almost 220,000 hires were also made using free Santander Cycles codes given to NHS staff and key workers to support their work during the pandemic.

The data has been released as TfL and cycle hire scheme sponsor Santander celebrate its tenth year anniversary.

New 24-hour Santander Cycles membership registrations rose by 167 per cent in the year to December 2020, representing the largest increase in the scheme’s 10-year history.

Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “The Santander Cycle Hire scheme has gone from strength to strength since it launched and over the past year many more Londoners have realised what a lifeline it is.

“Although I’m delighted that many records have been broken, I’m particularly proud that NHS staff and key workers have benefited from almost 220,000 free hires since March, helping support them in carrying out their critical roles.”

The cycle hire scheme launched in July 2010 and 6.2 million hires were made in the first 12 months of the scheme

In 2020, Santander Cycles played it’s part in supporting key workers during the pandemic.

Free cycle hire access codes have been provided for NHS staff and other key workers, with 217,710 hires so far since it was made available in March 2020.

The busiest location for NHS code redemption is the docking station on Lambeth Palace Road, Waterloo, near to St Thomas’s Hospital.

The offer has been repeatedly extended and is now valid until February 21.