As ‘Boris Bikes’ roll out, Camden asks: ‘What’s up, dock?’

Published: 05 August, 2010
by JOSH LOEB

CYCLING experts from across Camden have welcomed the introduction of “Boris Bikes” – the new public hire system launched on Friday.

The scheme only covers a handful of streets in the south of the borough, but bike shop owners say its introduction could spark a new interest in getting about on two wheels.

“Anything that promotes cycling is good,” said Scott Simpson, owner of Simpson’s Cycles in Malden Road, Gospel Oak.

“People have been coming in and saying it costs £50 for a day, but that’s only if you keep the bike continuously for 24 hours.

“The first 30 minutes or less is free. Most journeys aren’t going to be more than that.”

The only problem with the scheme was the fact that the bikes do not come with helmets, he said.

There were also warm words for the scheme from Greg Needham, store manager at Condor, a bespoke bike shop in Gray’s Inn Road, King’s Cross, which counts Boris Johnson himself as a customer. 

“The bike is excellent,” Mr Needham said. “For what it is designed for, it’s perfect. It is solid and robust. 

“You’re not going to be breaking any speed records on it but it’s durable and good for city cycling.” 

Justin Bailey, who works at Chamberlain Cycles in Kentish Town Road, said he did not think the scheme would harm business. 

“If anything, it might help,” he said. “Some people will try it and decide that they want their own bike – maybe something more nimble.”

Currently all bike-hire docking stations in Camden are in the fringes of the borough, but Jean Dollimore, coordinator of Camden Cyclists – a branch of the London Cycling Campaign – said she hoped the scheme would be expanded.

“Some of our members have registered just for fun, even though they already have bikes,” she said. “People like the idea that there will be more people cycling and that will create a kind of critical mass.”