Boris Bike hire scheme gets off to a flying start

Words: Matthew Hinchliffe

There is a new cool kid on the block, and we’re not talking about the beautiful model Jasmia Robinson from Britain’s Next Top Model, this kid comes with two wheels and is the brain-child of Mayor for London Boris Johnson.

The Mayor’s flagship cycling scheme – Barclays Cycle Hire, was officially launched in London this morning and was heralded a “new dawn” in London’s bid to become the greatest big cycling city in the world.

Docking one of thousands of new bicycles at a Barclay’s Hire Station, the mayor was joined by Marcus Agius, the chairman of the schemes sponsor Barclays, and London Transport Commissioner, Peter Hendy.

They were also joined by former Britain’s Next Top Model contestant and soloist Jasmia Robinson who said: “I have come down to support the launch; it’s an efficient, healthy and cost-effective way to travel across the city.”

Matthew from FLYER News said: “We’ve now road tested this bicycle for an hour. The gears are fairly smooth the transition between second and third was a bit jumpy but it was an enjoyable ride.

The bike though is not fast and it was a bit concerting being overtaken by a Brompton.

The success of the scheme will rest in whether Londoners will take to having such a big brand such as Barclay’s signposting its way across the city. Vandalism will be a serious issue but for events such as the Notting Hill Carnival, London Fashion Week etc this scheme will be in a league of its own, ten out of ten, Boris.”

We took in the sites, the London Eye, Houses of Parliament and of course the landmark that is Jerk City restaurant to get some cornmeal porridge before heading back towards Waterloo.