‘Free bike’ promotion numbers suggest cycling is drawing a crowd – but outer South London boroughs still on the margins

By Noah Vickers, Local Democracy Service

More than 5,000 people took advantage of an offer aimed at boosting cycling in the capital earlier this summer, with Transport for London (TfL) hinting that there could be similar deals later this year.

But any offers would again be limited to the inner city areas, where Santander bikes can be used, rather than in outlying boroughs.

A total of 13,166 bike hires were made by 5,586 people through TfL’s ‘Cycle Sundays’ promotion, according to data released by mayor Sadiq Khan’s office.

The offer allowed riders to enjoy an unlimited number of free 30-minute journeys using the Santander Cycles network on the five Sundays in June, with the goal of encouraging more people to try cycling. E-bikes were also available through the offer for just £1 per ride.

TfL did not directly respond when asked whether the offer’s uptake was more or less than had been anticipated, but David Eddington, TfL’s head of cycle hire, said he was “delighted” that of those who did take advantage of the offer, 64 per cent had not used Santander Cycles before.

In a possible hint at future deals, the organisation has said it will be “using the success of this promotion to look at further ways of attracting more customers to the scheme later this year”.

Gareth Roberts, the Liberal Democrat assembly member for South West London, has asked whether Santander Cycles will be expanded into outer London, as the network of docking stations is currently limited to the inner city.

The mayor’s office said there are “no imminent plans” to expand into the outer boroughs.

Picture: Pixabay/Dele Oke