Forum Topic

Boris Bikes in Wandsworth. Who uses them?

There has been some news coverage recently about how popular these bikes are but I rarely see anyone using them and the racks are full. Given how expensive it is to hire a bike this isn't surprising. I can't really see in what circumstance anyone would use them in Wandsworth.

Carmel Cunningham ● 3954d10 Comments

It obviously depends on where you live.  On sunny weekends, we do get wobbly BB riders down our street.  I have also been mown down by them along the river.

Jane Eades ● 3660d

Since my original post I don't think I have seen one person riding a Boris Bike in the Wandsworth area. I do tend to leave and come home at busy times but at the weekends I'm around often enough to spot them. Is any usage data published?

Carmel Cunningham ● 3660d

The new price structure for Boris Bikes is being presented as a rationalisation but is in effect a doubling of the charge for many journeys. It always struck me as quite and expensive service even before the rises which are bound to reduce usage further.

David Parker ● 3703d

The trouble with Brompton Bikes is that they are eminently nickable and scores them have been stolen since they have been introduced. Their very portability makes them a tempting target. Not sure how the insurance would work on the Brompton Hire scheme but one advantage Boris Bikes have is that they have no resale value.

David Parker ● 3792d

Brompton Bikes have been introduced in Ealing and Chiswick. These are a fraction of the price of Boris Bikes to hire, much easier to ride and can be taken on public transport at all times. This end of town looks to be stuck with the white elephant that is the Boris Bike.

Mark Evans ● 3864d

I think that two of the major problems with the bikes are:1. that the bike racks were dumped in some places where the residents were unlikely to use them - for example on the South of York Road (presumably for residents of Battersea Reach) - and without proper consultation.2. that the riders of the bikes are even more likely to ignore traffic laws than other cyclists - no hand signals, riding on pavements, going through red lights, etc.  (is there any guidance given about the law as it applies to cycling when hiring?)

Jane Eades ● 3884d

No me!Testing...

Jim Lawes ● 3928d

No, you can pick them up from and return them to any docking point, David. It is expensive if you're going to spend 5 hours in the saddle non-stop. But frankly, if you're that keen a cyclist you've probably got your own bike. The problem is that people look at the hire charges and think "gosh, £50 for 24 hours, that's really expensive", without really thinking how they'd actually use one.For instance, you might have a day out like this-  - hire a bike in Wandsworth, cycle down to the river, dock the bike and have a walk (20-25 minutes - free) - pick up another bike, cycle to a restaurant in Notting Hill Gate, dock the bike, have lunch (40 minutes - £1) - pick up another bike and then cycle back to Wandsworth (50 minutes - £1)So with your £2 daily charge fee, you've spent £4. Obviously TFL are doing a really bad job at marketing them to Londoners, if they're perceived to be expensive

Andrew Thomas ● 3948d

I was out at the weekend and, although I did see some, I think 'all over Wandsworth' is overstating it. They would be a real boon on a sunny weekend and I did look at it recently as an idea for a day out - the cost of just one bike was greater than what it would have been to hire a car. It is true however that they are good value for a short commute with a docking station at either end - I presume there is no obligation to return to the docking station you originally hired the bike from?

David Parker ● 3948d

Expensive? It costs £2 for a short commute - ie, a half hour journey. That's cheaper than a bus ride (Ok, without an oyster card). Or £6 for a 90 minute joy ride - cheaper than the cinema. As for not seeing them - maybe you've been out on wet days, but we hired one (three of us cycling, but only two with bikes) last Sunday, and we saw them all over Wansdworth. I think it's a great initiative, and a great addition to the borough's amenities.

Andrew Thomas ● 3949d