http://www.borisbikes.org/ An independent community forum for London's Cycle Hire scheme. en-US Fri, 18 May 2012 09:56:39 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://www.borisbikes.org/search.php http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1549#post-11320 Fri, 11 May 2012 17:46:30 +0000 martinc 11320@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>We'll soon have overseas competition: <a href="http://citibikenyc.com/" rel="nofollow">http://citibikenyc.com/</a></p> <p>Just from the look of the bikes and docks, it's surely the same system as ours. </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1225#post-10051 Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:08:28 +0000 mudchute 10051@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>I've had an access key for the scheme since launch day and lately I've noticed it's become a little bit tricky getting it into the slots until yesterday it reached the point where I couldn't get it in one at all. I phoned the call centre right away and they issued me a new one free of charge which arrived this morning which was pretty efficient but I was intrigued to see if anyone else had had the same problem. The guy at the call centre said I wasn't the first to report this! The new ones are white instead of black I notice so will doubtless be looking a bit grubby soon but for now it's shiny and new and I look forward to using it tomorrow. </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1548#post-11313 Thu, 10 May 2012 12:50:59 +0000 fkqg28 11313@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>Hello everyone! I’m doing a study on how successful the Boris Bikes have been since they were introduced in London back in 2009. So please can you post you positive experiences on the bikes, and tell me why you love them so much. Thank you! </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1547#post-11311 Wed, 09 May 2012 19:59:29 +0000 james909f 11311@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>Hi All,</p> <p>I’m hoping you might be able to help… I’m planning on taking part in a charity bike ride, London to Cambridge and currently don’t have a bike. I was thinking about using a borris bike for the “fun” value and in a hope that it might make people donate a little more.</p> <p>I wanted to ask if anyone else has done something similar on the borris bikes and how feasible an idea it would is? I use them for my daily commute 20min each way but never done or thought about anything like this. Many thanks for any help / comments in advanced,</p> <p>Cheers,</p> <p>James </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1538#post-11302 Mon, 07 May 2012 17:29:13 +0000 edeverett 11302@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>Hi,</p> <p>I recently launched a new Android app for finding you nearest docking stations.</p> <p>Dockr is a little different from the other apps around in that it's focused on being as simple as possible - it just does the essentials of showing you the nearest docking stations to where you are now and how many bikes or spaces there are. I've tried hard to make it look good too (you don't pay all that money for your phone just to have ugly apps on it!)<br /> <ul><li><strong>Get it direct from the Google Play: <a href="http://bit.ly/KQ6GYT">http://bit.ly/KQ6GYT</a></strong></li><li>Or check out the website: <a href="http://dockr.co.uk">http://dockr.co.uk/</a></li><br /> </ul><br /> I hope you enjoy it and I would really appreciate any feedback. (If you like it please give it a rating on Google Play &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.borisbikes.org/my-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_biggrin.gif&quot; title=&quot;:D&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; )</p> <p>Thanks,</p> <p>Ed<br /> <a href="http://bit.ly/KQ6GYT"><br /> <img src="http://dockr.co.uk/images/phone.png"><br /> </a> </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1527#post-11289 Thu, 03 May 2012 13:09:27 +0000 ozzage 11289@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>So... Boris Bike lovers and users.</p> <p>Today is the day and there is no thread on the election!</p> <p>Are we all voting for Boris in gratitude for our beloved steeds? Or for Jenny and/or Ken in the hope that they'll improve things faster and further?</p> <p>Despite my love of the BB, I can't quite bring myself to vote for Boris and his (in my view) largely "anti-sensible-cycling" views. </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1488#post-11164 Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:12:56 +0000 urban 11164@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>Three times in the past few days I've had to press the big red button. It's making me concerned that the bikes aren't being repaired as frequently/efficiently as they should be. And some of the damage has been quite dangerous.</p> <p>So, first, a broken mudguard was scraping the wheel. Not too bad, just an annoying noise and a slightly difficult ride (because the back tyre doesn't spin freely).</p> <p>Then, an error I've encountered before – a misaligned front wheel/handlebars. So a tiny slip on the handlebars sends the front wheel way over to the left (or right). It's quite scary the first time you go round a corner. And very, very dangerous. The first time I've had to get off and walk the bike to the nearest dock.</p> <p>And then today – slippery gears. It kept slipping down from third to second. So as i stood to get more power the pedal jolted and i nearly went over the handlebars. Again, incredibly dangerous. </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1511#post-11248 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:29:07 +0000 radii8 11248@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>Are they just for individual cyclists or could they benefit everyone?</p> <p>Having watched gridlock along along New Oxford Street / Bloomsbury Way this morning I wonder why the authorities haven't realised the benefit of having physically segregated cycle lanes not just for individual cyclists and commuters - but for the emergency services such as police and paramedics? </p> <p>A network across London that serves cyclists and allows emergency services quick access around London to keep Londoners safe, could transform this city. </p> <p>Any thoughts?</p> <p><img src="http://i.imgur.com/8gn3p.jpg"> </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1494#post-11200 Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:49:22 +0000 81lon 11200@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>Just seen this on the BBC</p> <p><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-17722416" rel="nofollow">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-17722416</a></p> <p>Very concerning as I can't say their drivers are the most considerate on the road as it is. I may be tempted to do a very go slow in the centre of the bus lane should I spot one coming up behind me &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.borisbikes.org/my-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_twisted.gif&quot; title=&quot;:twisted:&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1518#post-11265 Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:32:33 +0000 martinc 11265@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>Hope many of you will be at tomorrow's Big Ride through London, organised to push for better cycling facilities from the mayoral candidates. As well as have a good morning out of course &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.borisbikes.org/my-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> <p>The ride is assembling on Park Lane at 11am, see you there on your Boris bike! </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1489#post-11176 Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:35:26 +0000 radii8 11176@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>I'm on a roll &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.borisbikes.org/my-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_biggrin.gif&quot; title=&quot;:D&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> <p>Before a riot ensues, let me say that I appreciate cyclists are ALSO car drivers, pedestrians and motorcyclists. But my issue concerns how these are being used and how useful they are to cyclists.</p> <p>I ask you - is there any point having ASLs when motorcyclists and other road users use them to the detriment of cyclists? Recently, along High Holborn at the junction of Grays Inn Road, a motorcyclist turned left on green right over me without warning. Had he stayed behind the Advanced Stop Line this would not have been possible. He narrowly knocked me off my bike.</p> <p>Where are the traffic police? (are there any left?!) </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1157#post-9862 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:19:50 +0000 cyclingnewbie 9862@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p><blockquote>NEW WORD ENTRIES FOR 2011</p> <p>From the Political World</p> <p>The result of recent turbulent times in the Middle East, the phrase ARAB SPRING has entered the Modern English lexicon as a by-term for a period in which Arab people seek democratic reforms. Organisations, and people – such as Julian Assange – who seek to reveal potentially embarrassing information, often as a political weapon, have coined the term EMBERRORIST. Bankers, who risk losing investors’ money in an attempt to gain maximum profits, have contributed the – widely-used – CASINO BANKING to the English dictionary. And London mayor Boris Johnson’s eponymously named BORIS BIKE has entered English vocabulary as the popular term for Barclays public bicycle-sharing scheme, which was launched in July 2010.</blockquote></p> <p><a href="http://www.harpercollins.co.uk/News_and_Events/News/Pages/Collins-English-Dictionary-11th-Edition.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://www.harpercollins.co.uk/News_and_Events/News/Pages/Collins-English-Dictionary-11th-Edition.aspx</a> </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1165#post-9891 Sat, 15 Oct 2011 14:36:11 +0000 martinc 9891@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>Starting a new thread for this topic as the <a href="http://www.borisbikes.co.uk/topic.php?id=702">old one</a> seems a bit full now.</p> <p>I was out of Friday and spotted 3 new docking stations under construction, two on Exhibition Road and one in Eaton Square (very close to an existing station). Nice to know the docks are continuing to multiply. </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1493#post-11199 Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:56:45 +0000 JoeW 11199@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>Hi,</p> <p>Just wondering if anyone uses their own bell on a BB? It's the pretty much only regular problem I have with bikes now - the bell not working. Pretty essential in the rush hour, with pedestrians likely to jump out behind a stopped bus (I know I could shout, but hey, I'm shy...)</p> <p>It would have to be quick release - I can see one on Amazon (<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/BBB-Quick-Release-Strap-Black/dp/B001EGN76I)" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.co.uk/BBB-Quick-Release-Strap-Black/dp/B001EGN76I)</a>, but whether the rubber bands would hold up to twice-daily dismantling, I don't know. </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1495#post-11203 Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:26:36 +0000 WilliamTM 11203@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>Just tried to update my card details. That was fun. I tried both a Visa debit and MasterCard credit card, both refused to work. I got this error:</p> <p><blockquote>Please check the following and try again.<br /> An error occured during the payment method update. Please try again.</blockquote></p> <p>Basically, it flat out refused to update my card details. I eventually tried buying a 24 hour access period, and that, for some reason, worked, and updated them, but simply updating the card info alone doesn't work. Anyone else had a similar problem?</p> <p>I tried to email them about it too, but their contact form said "Invalid." and refused to submit my email. I swear their site is made out of lots of broken things sticky taped together. </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1490#post-11192 Sun, 15 Apr 2012 10:56:11 +0000 JohnBoy7 11192@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>Hi there - hope someone can help...</p> <p>I was a BCH virgin up until last week when I decided to use a bike casually. After some wrangling at the payment machine, when my card kept being refused, I finally received a release code. After using the bike I successfully docked it ok.</p> <p>The £5 access fee was successfully debited from my account but I then lost my debit card a few days later before they could take the usage fee...I'm not sure what to do, I hear the contact centre is not especially helpful and how will they be able to locate me - by my debit card details?</p> <p>Any idea what I should do? I hope there won't be any additional charges for this as it is not exactly my fault!</p> <p>Thanks </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1298#post-10208 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:24:19 +0000 beneve53 10208@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>Hi,</p> <p>next month I am visiting London with two foreign friends who are flying over for a holiday. I have been reading about the costs of using a bike, but still can't find the answer to this question:</p> <p>I see that I can't pay using cash or an Oyster card. Therefore I assume a debit or credit card is needed. My two foreign friends have cards that have not worked for booking their flights, so I can't imagine they will work at the docking stations (and even if they do, their banks might charge them a high lump charge for each transaction). So is it OK to use my debit card for three bikes? If not, what is the best way around this problem?</p> <p>Any help would be very appreciated. Cheers, Ben </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1224#post-10047 Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:12:46 +0000 radii8 10047@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>Has anyone else noticed the frequency in which buses overtake cyclists just before a bus stop then sharply pull in just in front of the cyclist? </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=994#post-9102 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:25:04 +0000 keeba28 9102@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>The call centre clearly don't have the desire or capability to handle complaints. I think Boris needs to get the message that the scheme is failing so many people. Would (e.g.) a facebook complaints group help get some attention, and hopefully things fixed? </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1423#post-10513 Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:33:32 +0000 cyclingnewbie 10513@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>I finally got a ride on one of the lovely new bikes.</p> <p>The new bells are locked in place - in the Down position. &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.borisbikes.org/my-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_biggrin.gif&quot; title=&quot;:-D&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> <p>New seat is comfy too.</p> <p>Sonnez les matines! </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1316#post-10241 Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:28:45 +0000 redfalo 10241@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p><a href="http://cycling-intelligence.com/2012/01/11/cycling-at-kings-cross-new-docking-station-for-boris-bikes-gives-me-shivers/" rel="nofollow">http://cycling-intelligence.com/2012/01/11/cycling-at-kings-cross-new-docking-station-for-boris-bikes-gives-me-shivers/</a> </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=478#post-4404 Fri, 08 Oct 2010 22:58:33 +0000 Boris 4404@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>TfL have been working hard to answer <a href="http://www.borisbikes.co.uk/topic.php?id=424">your questions</a> and this evening have sent me this response:</p> <p><a href="http://uploads.didgeroo.com/files/tfl-borisbikes-questions.html" rel="nofollow">http://uploads.didgeroo.com/files/tfl-borisbikes-questions.html</a></p> <p><em>Update 7 June 2011 - the above link now contains both parts of the Q&amp;A.</em> </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1483#post-11146 Tue, 10 Apr 2012 22:35:03 +0000 ictransport 11146@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>I am a student at Imperial College investigating the potential for a volunteer-based repositioning scheme to complement the existing vehicle-based repositioning operation in cycle hire schemes. This survey is targeted at anyone who cycles.</p> <p>Here is the link: <a href="https://academictrial.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_ahgOyF0zlEqiNTe" rel="nofollow">https://academictrial.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_ahgOyF0zlEqiNTe</a></p> <p>This survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete and your response will contribute to a better understanding of the potential for DIY bike repositioning. I would be very grateful if you would complete the survey and pass it on to your friends.<br /> Thank you! </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1324#post-10291 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:16:19 +0000 FarringdonEd 10291@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>Had a lovely ride across from Paddington to Clerkenwell this morning on 21620. As you can probably guess from the number, it was brand new, no creaks or groans, no squeaky brakes and just made me remember how nice these bikes can be when in tip top condition... &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.borisbikes.org/my-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_biggrin.gif&quot; title=&quot;:D&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1425#post-10517 Fri, 16 Mar 2012 18:31:20 +0000 Speeds_UK 10517@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>So, normally I ride my own bike to work but on and off I use a Boris Bike. Here's the thing -- I use the docking station at Holborn Circus, having ridden down Charterhouse St past Smithfield. The station is on the right on the pavement. I can't think of any way of getting to it which doesn't involve riding on the pavement, short of getting off the bike at a very busy junction and wheeling it across two roads and along the pavement. And then guess what, the station is full, so I have to go round the corner to Hatton Garden, again wheeling the bike back down the pavement, or jumping back on to get to the road and pedalling back down the street.</p> <p>If I ride to work, there is a sort of path that goes over High Holborn that seems like a path for cyclists but cuts across the pavement. Should I walk over that too?</p> <p>TLDR: I feel bad riding on the pavement but the station is I use makes it almost inevitable. Am I a bad person? </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1020#post-9202 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:43:45 +0000 skatiekatie 9202@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>I like the idea of this - especially for lunch breaks etc. Just wondering whether the fact that you dont own the bike encourages you use it more often. </p> <p>I say this because i remember back when i did have a bike, i was always terffified of it being stolen and didnt ride it that often. Right up until it actually was nicked :/ </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=208#post-1536 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:10:50 +0000 maggiebob 1536@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>I love the Boris bikes. </p> <p>However...</p> <p>I am just under the 5ft mark when it comes to my height, which means I can <strong>just</strong> get my tippytoes on the ground with the seat at it's lowest. I was fine with this for my first few rides (City to Covent Garden, City to King's Cross, King's Cross to Covent Garden) - even stopping at lights was okay. However I cycled with my husband from St. Paul's all the way along to The Mall, via the Strand, and had an awful time of it - nearly came off the bike trying to stop at traffic lights on the Aldwych. I'm now feeling a little wary of getting back on the bikes.</p> <p>What I want to know - any other short people out there to reassure me? How do you cope? Tips, tricks, or should I just suck it up and get back in the saddle? </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1474#post-11120 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:54:13 +0000 Boris 11120@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>I've just been emailed these photos:</p> <p><img src="http://i.imgur.com/N4Xl8l.jpg"></p> <p><img src="http://i.imgur.com/x0LXll.jpg"></p> <p>Here's the press release.</p> <p><strong>BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE LEGENDS UNVEIL EXCLUSIVE BARCLAYS CYCLE HIRE BIKES IN LONDON CLUB COLOURS<br /> </strong></p> <p>Five Barclays Premier League legends united yesterday - Thursday 29th March - to reveal bespoke Barclays Cycle Hire bikes in their former club’s colours, uniting London football teams and the capital’s celebrated cycling scheme.</p> <p>Ambassadors from London’s Barclays Premier League clubs: Arsenal, Chelsea, Fulham, QPR and Tottenham, put their former rivalries aside – at least for the day – to celebrate the cycle scheme and demonstrate the one-off bikes, which are on display in local branches of Barclays. </p> <p>Martin Keown, Darren Anderton, Marcel Desailly, Rufus Brevett and Ray Wilkins all rode out in London’s Regent’s Park in support of the special Barclays Cycle Hire bikes decked out in their former clubs’ colours.</p> <p>Arsenal legend Martin Keown, who made over 300 appearances for the club, commented: “Having spent so much of my career in London it’s great to see these special Barclays Cycle Hire bikes. Football and cycling keep you fit and they also help bring people closer to their communities, and with the summer approaching, I would encourage Londoners and visitors to get on a bike to see some of the great things this city has to offer.”</p> <p>Ashok Vaswani, CEO Barclays UK Retail and Business Banking, official sponsors of the Barclays Premier League and Barclays Cycle Hire, said: “This initiative successfully combines two of our key sponsorships and allows us to give something back to both football fans and cyclists in their local communities. We are dedicated to improving how people get around London and this is the perfect way to celebrate our continued support for both football and cycling in the capital.”</p> <p>Fans will be able to see some of the new two-wheeled mascots on display in the following Barclays branches from Thursday 29 March for a limited time.</p> <p>Barclays 403 Holloway Road, London, N7 6HL<br /> Barclays 549 High Road, London, N17 6SF<br /> Barclays 20 Fulham Broadway, London, SW6 1AH<br /> Barclays 74 Shepherds Bush Green, London, W12 8QE</p> <p>ends. </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1252#post-10140 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:25:15 +0000 Cdenman89 10140@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>I'm sure this has been absolutely done to death but here goes...</p> <p>Often the quietest/safest route involves going "through" a no-entry sign. Obviously cyclists are included in the no-entry restrictions, but is it legael to dismount the cycle, walk the cycle past the sign (i.e. around it), and then begin cycling again?</p> <p> &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.borisbikes.org/my-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:-)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> http://www.borisbikes.org/topic.php?id=1221#post-10038 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:54:07 +0000 mariachloe 10038@http://www.borisbikes.org/ <p>hello all!<br /> i'll be heading to london end of february so i would appreciate info how much does it cost to rent a bike per day?<br /> thank you! </p>