Bike-sharing system in London is in crisis

Released in the summer of 2010, the Boris Bikes were received with great enthusiasm by the Londoners. Two-wheeled vehicles, which are part of the bike sharing system of London, are supposed to start a new phase of sustainable mobility in greater London, leaving more and more cars for second place and interweaving in its importance, with public transport.

In November 2012, about 726,893 trips were made by Boris Bikes â€" so-called because of its great booster, London mayor Boris Johnson. Last month, however, this number dropped to 514,146 â€" almost a third.

To make matters worse, the Transport for London, which runs the British capital's transport, announced that Barclays, main sponsor, will no longer finance this system in 2015. At the same time, the recent wave of deadly road kills of cyclists is upset the local authorities.

According to Grist, the crisis of the Boris Bikes can be summed up to three factors: cost, danger and maintenance. In January 2013, prices per hour doubled, from €1,2 to €2,4 ($ 3.8 pair $ 7.6). "Although the old prices were a pittance, the new ones are too close to the cost of public transport, and many began wondering whether it is worthwhile to look for a bike and getting sweaty pedaling", explains the Grist.

Then there's the safety factor. Cycling in London, as we've been talking about for the last year, is increasingly dangerous.

Finally, it is hard to find a station with the right number of bicycles. Normally, or are empty â€" and it is impossible to lift a bike â€" or completely filled â€" and it is impossible to deliver it. I.e. the Boris Bikes have a serious problem of logistics and distribution.

The system is also too expensive. With just 4,000 bicycles, it would cost the city's taxpayers, on average, about € 1,670/year by bicycle ($ 5,320). On the other hand, Barclays has invested about half of the € 60 million ($ 190 million) pledged.

Next spring, the system will be reinforced with 2,000 bicycles and expand collection stations to the South-West of London. "Although the idea be the predecessor, the bike-sharing system is too associated with Boris Johnson to drop it without a fight," explains the Grist.

Foto:  [Duncan] / Creative Commons

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