Earth Activism

London launches ambitious bike sharing scheme - CNN.com

STORY HIGHLIGHTS * London's bike share scheme launches on Friday with 6,000 bikes and 400 docking stations * Barclays Cycle Hire has learned lessons from others around the world, say cyclists * The scheme is close to the heart of Mayor Boris Johnson, a keen cyclist London, England (CNN) -- Six thousand matching black, silver and blue bicycles will hit the streets of London on Friday as the city officially launches its ambitious public bike sharing scheme. The initiative will allow commuters and tourists to take bikes from 400 docking stations, spaced at 300 yard intervals, for short journeys around central London. For an access fee of £1 ($1.53) a day or £45 ($68) a year, cyclists will be able to use the bikes for free for the first half hour, with a rising fee for longer periods. Users can return for further free half hours as often as they like within a day. The scheme has cost £140 million ($214 million) for the first five years, with £25 million ($38 million) recouped from Barclays Bank sponsorship.

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