Santander Cycles gets an upgrade

1 Nov 2017 11:07 AM

The next generation of Santander Cycles has arrived, bringing better handling, improved safety features and a more comfortable ride.

The first of the new bikes rolled on to London's streets this week, with thousands set to join TfL's cycle hire scheme over the next few years.

Upgrades include a gel saddle, lower frame, tyres with puncture prevention, a new gear hub, improved front and rear lighting and an inbuilt Blaze Laserlight. They have been designed to be easier to ride and maintain, meaning cycles will be available to hire more often and maintenance costs reduced.

Santander Cycles will also extend into Brixton this year with seven docking stations - providing space for up to 200 bikes - installed across the borough.

Last year saw an unprecedented 10.3 million hires - 4.4% more than in 2015. This year there have been more than 8.7 million hires, with five out of 9 months beating year-on-year records for the number of journeys being made.

London's Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman, said: 'Santander Cycles are a brilliant way for all abilities to experience cycling around London. They've become a real icon of the Capital's streets, appealing to commuters and visitors, so I'm really pleased that we can make them even easier to use.

'I've no doubt that these upgraded bikes are going to help us break more records and encourage even more people to take to 2 wheels.'

Lighting the way

Blaze Laserlights, which are fitted to all Santander Cycles, display a bicycle symbol on the road six metres in front of the rider. It means drivers and pedestrians know when a bike is approaching.