Barclays Cycle Hire FAQs

Frequently asked questions

• How do I use the schemes?

  To use Barclays Cycle Hire you can either sign up to become a member or be a 'casual user'.
  
  Member:

  • Sign up to become a member at www.tfl.gov.uk/barclayscyclehire
  • You'll receive a key for £3 which will give you quick and easy access to cycles, with membership access fees from only £1 (24 hours), £5 (7 days) and £45 (1 year)
  • Membership is best for hiring regularly, saving time and saving money (members can buy the most cost effective annual access).

  Casual User:

  • Buy access at the docking station terminal for £1 (24 hours) or £5 (7 days)
  • You need a release code for each cycle you hire and for each journey you make
  • To get the release codes you have to insert the payment card used to buy access
  • Use the release code within 10 minutes of getting it and only at the station you got it from
  • Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards, along with Visa Electron are accepted
  • Casual use is best for people hiring bikes occasionally, non-UK residents and those who don't want to sign up as a member first
  • You can make unlimited journeys of under 30 minutes each without paying any usage charges

  To use the Barclays Cycle Superhighways, visit www.tfl.gov.uk/barclayscyclesuperhighways to find your nearest route.

  Remember to read the top tips for cyclists to ensure that you stay safe and in control, and you can also find out about cycle training and led rides in your area.

• Why has Barclays decided to sponsor the schemes?

  • Barclays has a long history of sponsorship and sees it as a very important way to strengthen our brand and market our businesses
  • These schemes will make a positive contribution to society in London and have clear benefits of partnering with a sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of transport
  • It will help people in London lead more active lives
  • It will take our brand around London - one of the most famous cities in the world where Barclays has its Global headquarters - in an eye catching and innovative way.

• Will Barclays be providing cycle helmets?

  • The scheme does not provide helmets. The use of cycle helmets for cyclists within the UK is not a legal requirement. Therefore, it is at the user's discretion whether to wear a helmet and all users are encouraged to become familiar with the Cycle Hire Users Code of Conduct which makes reference to helmet use
  • Barclays Cycle Superhighways cyclists will provide their own equipment (bikes and helmets).

• How much will people be charged if a Barclays Cycle Hire bike is stolen or badly damaged?

  • If a hire bicycle is damaged or lost, the user will be liable to a charge of up to £300
  • After consultation with Paris' Velib, regarding what they would do differently if they started their scheme again - it was decided not to provide locks with the hire bikes. It is felt that locks are too easy to break and the message to the London public is to place the bike in a docking station when they are not using it, and then they are not financially responsible for its safekeeping.

• What do I do if I have problems picking up and returning cycles?

  • If there are no cycles when you get to a docking station, the terminal map shows where there are some nearby
  • If the docking station is full when you return your cycle, check the terminal to see where there are free docking points. You can get up to 15 minutes extra time if you need to cycle to another station
  • Remember to get a green light and click at the end of every trip
  • If you encounter any issues they can be reported by calling the Contact Centre on +44 (0) 845 026 3630.

• What should I do if a cycle is damaged or vandalised?

  • You can press the fault button on the docking station if a cycle is damaged - we repair or replace cycles while they are out of action
  • If you see a vandalised cycle then please report this by calling the Contact Centre on +44 (0) 845 026 3630, providing the cycle ID number and docking station name.