From London to Berlin, the world is constantly making steps forward with regards to environmental-friendly transport. Seeing bike hire depots dotted throughout various cities, we are well on our way to meeting our various green-living objectives here in the UK.
Just this week, Southwark became the latest London borough to roll out a bike hire scheme. As the first council to offer bike hire south of the River Thames, the local council has been given kudos for supporting the national agenda topic of ethical travel.
Partnering with ofo and Mobike to offer dockless, on-demand bike hire, both organisations will introduce their bikes this week. ofo and Mobike will both feature 200 bikes in the area; a number that is expected to increase in the coming months as momentum picks up.
Focus will initially be placed on the areas Rotherhithe and Camberwell, seeing the successful launch take place on 12th March on in Canada Water Square.
Cllr Ian Wingfield, Southwark Council’s cabinet member for environment and the public realm, said:
“I am really pleased to be bringing on-demand bike hire to the whole of Southwark,” he said. “Mobike and ofo are experts in their field and they are committed to working with us to promote responsible and safe cycling, including the parking of their bikes.”
Responding to resident requests
While a project that sees the borough work in line with the city’s objectives, this scheme was also something the residents of the area were making calls for.
“Many residents have been very clear that this is something that they would welcome and we hope the bikes will help encourage people to give cycling a try and get out and explore the whole of Southwark” he continued.
The hire aspect is all arranged through ofo and Mobike applications, allowing users to unlock the bike through their smartphone. Let us know what you think, should every London borough follow in the footsteps of Southwark?
