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London is an exciting, vibrant city with a lot to offer. Exploring it on two wheels is not only fun but also eco-friendly and cost-effective. Whether you’re a visitor, a student in an English class in London, or a local, using public cycles is one of the best ways to experience the city. This blog will guide you through everything you need to start using cycles in this bustling metropolis.
London is a large city, and cycling is a fantastic way to get around quickly, avoid traffic, and save money, which can be helpful given the cost of living in London. Cycling offers the freedom to explore hidden corners of the city and reach iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. Plus, it’s a great way to exercise while enjoying the fresh air.
Cycling is also becoming more popular due to the city’s expanding network of cycling lanes and paths. London offers a variety of bike hire services that make it easy to get on a bike, whether you’re new to cycling or a seasoned pro.
Let’s explore the various bike hire services you can use in London.
Santander Cycles is perhaps the most well-known public-hire bike company in London. Also called “Boris Bikes” (named after former Mayor Boris Johnson, who launched the scheme), these bright red bikes can be found at docking stations all over the city, including Russell Square.
Here’s how it works:
– How to hire: You can rent a bike from any docking station. Just use your bank card at the terminal or download the Santander Cycles app to rent a bike more easily.
– Costs: For frequent users, a Day Pass starts from £3 for unlimited 30-minute rides, with £1.65 for each extra 30 minutes. E-bikes cost an additional £1 per ride. Single rides start at £1.65 for 30 minutes, with extra charges for longer rides. You can also go for a monthly subscription at £20 or an Annual Subscription at £120, both offering unlimited 60-minute rides with similar additional fees for longer trips and e-bikes.
– Returning: After your ride, simply return the bike to any docking station. In Russell Square, you’ll find several docking stations nearby, to drop off your bike with ease.
Brompton Bikes are unique foldable bikes, making them ideal for commuters or people who need to carry their bikes indoors or on public transport. They are small, lightweight, and perfect for navigating busy areas like Russell Square.
– How to hire: Brompton offers a convenient rental service where you can book a bike online or via the Brompton app. You can pick up a bike at designated Brompton docks across London, including at several central locations.
– Costs: The daily hire fee is £5, making it affordable for longer trips. If you need a bike for an extended period, you can also rent a Brompton Bike for up to 30 days or take an annual subscription available at different package rates.
– Returning: After a short ride on a Brompton Bike, returning it is easy. Just drop the bike off at any Brompton dock across London by simply folding the bike and locking it in one of the lockers. You can return the bike at any time, 24/7. If you’re unsure where to find a dock, the Brompton app will guide you to the nearest location for a smooth and hassle-free return process.
Lime is a popular e-bike service in London, and it’s known for its bright green electric bikes that you can pick up and drop off anywhere within the Lime service area. Unlike traditional bikes, Lime bikes are electric, so they offer some pedal assistance—perfect for hilly parts of London or if you need to get somewhere quickly.
How to hire: You can pick up a Lime bike from anywhere. Download the Lime app, find a nearby bike, and unlock it by scanning the QR code on it.
Costs: Lime charges a fixed charges to unlock a bike and certain amount for every minute you ride based on the location. It’s a bit more expensive than other options, but the electric assistance can be worth it, especially for longer trips.
Returning: When you’re done, park the bike in a safe spot near a post or bike rack. Secure it by locking the rear wheel using the ring lock—just press the red tab to lock it. Once locked, the Lime app will automatically stop your trip and show the ride’s duration and cost. This process is quick and easy, allowing you to finish your journey smoothly.
Dott is another bike-sharing service in London that offers both pedal and electric-assisted bikes. Dott bikes are known for being sturdy and easy to use, with a similar system to Lime—no docking stations required.
– How to hire: Simply download the Dott app, locate a nearby bike, and use the app to unlock it. Dott bikes are available across central London, including areas around Russell Square.
– Costs: Like Lime, Dott charges an unlocking fee (usually around £1) and a per-minute rate (about 15p). For electric bikes, the cost may be slightly higher.
– Returning: To end your ride with Dott, park the bike upright in one of the designated parking spots marked with a blue “P” on the app’s map. Be sure to take a clear photo of the parked bike to confirm the end of your trip. If you park outside these spots, there may be a relocation fee, so always double-check the map to avoid any extra charges.
Tier is one of the newer bike-sharing services in London, and it offers both electric bikes and e-scooters. Tier bikes have adjustable seats and electric assistance, making them comfortable for long rides or hilly areas.
– How to hire: Tier bikes can be hired through the Tier app. After registering, you can scan the QR code on any available bike, unlock the cable lock, and start riding.
– Costs: Like Lime and Dott, Tier charges £1 to unlock the bike and around 15p per minute for riding. For electric scooters, the pricing is similar.
– Returning: You can park Tier bikes in designated parking areas, which are visible in the app. There are plenty of these areas in central London, including near Russell Square.
Tier bikes are ideal for students and tourists who want an easy, electric-assisted ride, especially if you’re heading to language classes London and need to get there quickly.
When renting a bike in London, it’s essential to return it to the correct docking station or designated parking area. If the bike is left on the street or outside of designated zones, you could face fines or relocation fees, especially for services like Dott or Santander Cycles. Leaving the bike improperly can result in penalties, so always check the app to ensure you’re parking in the right spot. This will help you avoid additional charges and ensure a smooth rental experience.
Russell Square is a central hub in London, close to many of the city’s main attractions. Whether you’re a student at ES London or just exploring the area, here are some tips for cycling safely and efficiently:
1. Use cycle lanes: Many roads around Russell Square have cycle lanes, making it easier and safer to ride. Always stick to these lanes when possible.
2. Be aware of traffic: Central London can be busy, especially around rush hour. Keep an eye on cars, buses, and pedestrians.
3. Wear a helmet: It’s not required by law, but wearing a helmet can protect you in case of an accident.
4. Follow traffic rules: Obey the rules of the road, such as stopping at red lights and using hand signals when turning.
Getting around London by bike is a fun, cost-effective, and environment-friendly way to explore the city. Whether you choose Santander Cycles for short trips, Brompton for flexibility, or electric options like Lime, Dott, or Tier, there’s a bike hire service that suits your needs. Plus, with many bike-friendly routes near Russell Square, it’s a convenient option for anyone studying or living in the area.
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