Barclays Cycle Hire charges to be simplified, 1000 new docking stations planned

London's cycle hire scheme can at times be confusing, with tourists in particular losing track of how much their bike based sight seeing might be costing.

Thanks to changes that are set to come into effect on Friday, January 2, using the bikes will now be much easier, with charges set to a flat rate of £2 per 30 minutes after the initial free 30 minute period.

The £2 daily access fee and £90 yearly membership will remain unchanged.

>>> Superhighways, Crossrail and Quietways: A complete guide to London cycleways 

Further to this tariff simplification, TfL is now working with London boroughs and landowners to seek out locations for new docking stations within the current 100km² footprint.

It is hoped that by increasing the density of docking stations, there will be greater opportunity for people to hire and dock bikes, and it should make the redistribution operation more efficient.

In total, 100 new docking points are already planned, with sites identified near Putney Pier, Vauxhall and Tower Bridge. Beyond this, nearly 1000 further docking point locations have been earmarked for delivery across the capital by early 2016, subject to planning permission.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, himself something of a cycling advocate, commented on the scheme's expansion: “This has been a fantastic year for Cycle Hire, hitting record numbers of riders and increasing the number of bikes and docking stations we have. We’re looking forward to another bumper year ahead, as more people reap the health and convenience benefits of jumping on to one of our bikes to get around the capital.”

Most journeys on the bike hire scheme will not be affected by the tariff changes however, as 97 per cent of member journeys and 76 per cent of casual hires fall within the 30 minute period, which will remain free.