15th October 2013 Boris Bikes Bash

Well, spent the day in London today with a friend, Mick, researching the 'Boris Bikes'.  Boris being Boris Johnson, the Lord Mayor of London who launched these in June 2010. These are strategically placed racks of bikes which can be used by commuters and tourists. At a price. Released by the input of a credit card, and the issue of a code for the bike rack, they have different scales of charges dependant on the amount of time they are used. If they are 'docked' every 30 mins the cost is only £2 for 24 hours. Longer periods mean the hire price goes up quite a lot. 

Mick and I took the coach to Victoria from Coventry and found the most convenient bike station 

Eaton Square

This was the point we picked the bikes up. All did not go well though. After several attempts, the printed ticket with the release code on did not materialise. After 15 mins of the first 30 had gone by, and following a phone call to "Bike Control' we got going. The machines are very good, 3 speed, comfortable, but heavy! Took a bit of getting used to but off we went straight to the next station to redock.

Belgrade Square

In the posh end of London now. Surrounded by Embassies, Turkish and Malaysian ones over the road, we attempted to carry on with our ride. Unfortunately, we had the same problem. No release code ticket.  You can see Mick below, patiently negotiating with Joe, at Bike Control, on how we can carry on cycling. The answer was to walk around the corner to Grosvenor Crescent and the next station. That worked fine so off we headed to Hyde park.

The Serpentine

Took a bit of working out with all the one way streets and bike lanes but made it into Hyde Park OK. Time for lunch by the Serpentine. As we had limited time today it was time to head back to Victoria Coach Station. Redocked the bikes at the park gate, crossed the busy A4 Knightsbridge Road, and made our way back to Eaton Square.

The coach journey back to Coventry gave Mick and I an opportunity to assess the day. We reached the conclusion that the concept was excellent. The niggles we found at the ticket machine was frustrating and disappointing. Docking the bikes every 30 minutes was not good for touring, ideal for commuters. The price for keeping them longer was very high. Up to 3 hours was £15, Up to 6 hours was £35. Would we do it again? Debatable, although taking our own cycles down on the train may well be a better option. Regrets? None. It was an excellent day, good weather and we covered all of 3.5 miles!