Cycling revolution in London
A revolution of cycling underway in London
By Sun Wei in London
Red double-decker buses, black taxis, those roundel underground logos and … bicycle rentals?
London's iconic transportation system has added another mode of public transport to its repertoire, and Mayor Boris Johnson hopes it willhelps turn the capital into a "cyclized" city.
"I call on Londoners to sign up from this Friday and become pioneer members of this fantastic new addition to our transport system. I know that, in time, our scheme will become a new London icon and enable many more people to cycle in our magnifi-cent city," the mayor said.
Membership of the bike-rental plan will open Friday, and members can rent a bike from July 30, when the initiative will be officially launched, transportation adviser Kulveer Ranger said Tuesday at a press briefing at City Hall.
People who use London Cycle Hire will be able to pick up and drop off one of the 6,000 bicycles at any of the 400 locations across central London. This means that there is going to be a docking station every 300 meters.
Within the selected access period, people can make unlimited journeys, and the first half hour of each will be completely free of any usage charges.
The 140-million-pound ($214 million) plan will then open to casual users such as visitors or tourists at the end of August.
London has seen a 117 percent increase in cycling compared with the year of 2000.
There is a plan to expand the plan to the 2012 Olympic zone.
Twelve Cycle Superhighways are planned and underway to give cyclists a direct route from the suburbs into central London. The Cycle Superhighways will meet the needs of commuters with a growing appetite for cycling between outer and inner London and the center.
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Penang should do something like this to reduce traffic congestion, carbon emitting and accidents. Cycling lane must be dedicated around island and special programs to promote this activity for example 'cycling to work' ,cycling to school', 'cycling day' etc can be launch to attract people to use this silent and eco and health friendly machine. If goverment and authorities have money to dumb, use some of it to create a programme to attract people to make cycling as their lifestyle by funding a special scemes to those who want to buy a bicycle etc.
Hi Maraza,
Don't worry we will have our dedicated bicycle lane soon in Penang Island. In jakarta, the main thorough fair, Jln Sudirman if I am not mistaken is closed to motorised vehicles every Sunday from morning until afternoon . During this time you can see bicycle power. All kinds of bicycles will be pedalling on this main street and to make things more lively they have musics and peformances etc.
Apparently it was so popular that they are thinking of extending it to other part of Jakarta.
King George Cycle Center in Brisbane. Would be good in Penang to encourage people to cycle to work.
http://www.ourbrisbane.com/lifestyle/health-sport-and-fitness/king-georg...
A tree lined shared cycle path all the way from gurney to queensbay, some shower facilities and I am sure this would encourage people to cycle to work.
Look at the crazy traffic in the morning, almost every car has no pessengers and the drivers rush like mad to Bayan Lepas, 5 days a week !
Can you imagine the benefits if they were to cycle to work? First, there will be immediate reduction in carbon footprint. In the longer term ppl will stay healtier and pay less medical fee (oops, bad for doctors lah !) and what about the savings on car maintenance and petrol. Its a win win for the cyclists and the environment !!
We had a cycling lane from Teluk Kumbar to Teluk Bahang complete with public shower station and trees along the way!WOW. Can we dream something like this happened in our life time. What a great thing if Penang State Govt with a support by federal can broughte this facilities to reality and Penang could be the first to be followed by another state. Just like what Malacca had done for their river. If we can ride without fear to irresponsible motorist, i think more people will think to use bicycle to their destination in Penang. Lets work for it
dshee and our generation in future will thanks to us.
I am so happy that this may become a reality soon. Our Gelugor YB Sim is working very hard to get us a dedicated bicycle lane in this area and we hope that all involved esp the developers around the area will sympathise with us cyclists and give some leeways to ride in peace.
Certainly if there is a long stretch of coastal promenade dedicated cycling path in that area, i bet my bottom dollar, you will see families taking up cycling as a form of exercise and recreation. This will propagate to better understanding among motorists with regard to cyclists. I was a lousy motorist before and cannot tolerate cyclists but since taking up cycling i understand the need to share the road.