London starts bike hire scheme

by Sean McLachlan on

Transport for London is responsible for the arduous task of getting millions of Londoners around this giant city every day. Besides the Tube, bus, and Docklands Light Rail, they’ve added a new service–public bicycles.

Similar to public bike programs in other cities, people can get a bike at one of the self-service docking stations. You don’t have to be a UK resident to use one, but residents can buy an annual membership and get discounts. You can pay by cash, card, or online. You have to pay for an access fee as well as the bike itself. If, for example, you are in London for a day, you can buy a day’s access for £1 ($1.56) and hire the bike for up to six hours for £35 ($55), or a full day for £50 ($78). That’s expensive, but it wouldn’t take many taxi rides to equal that.

Actually the program is more designed for short rides. Journeys under half an hour are free and an hour only costs £1. You can cycle pretty much anywhere in central London in an hour. Users should be aware that London traffic is very busy and people who aren’t accustomed to cycling in big cities should probably give this a miss. The scheme is partially funded by Barclay’s bank and each bike sports an ad for Barclay’s.


Photo courtesy Transport for London.

Photo of the Day (06.28.10)

by Mike Barish on
I like when people argue over who would win in a race between the Flash and Superman. Not that I’m a comic book geek, but it’s always a fun debate. It sure beats listening to people drone on about politics or religion. So, the Flash is super fast. But Superman is faster than a speeding bullet. Would it have to be a foot race? What if they use scooters? Or maybe old-school roller skates? What has most intrigued me, though, is the thought of those two superheroes on bicycles. You never see any superheroes on bicycles. Probably because no one ever taught them how to ride one. That’s sad.

However, if the Flash could ride a bike, I imagine he would look much like the guy in this picture taken by Flickr user jrodmanjr in Shanghai. Streaks of red and yellow with some sort of sleek costume modification. I still think Batman is cooler than both of them though.

Spied any superheroes during your travels? Or maybe you just have some epic travel photos? Upload your pictures to our Flickr pool and we might choose one to feature as a Photo of the Day.

Google maps adds bicycle navigation feature on Android phones

by Scott Carmichael on

Google Maps with navigation is one of the more powerful selling points of the Android platform. The navigation features within Google Maps are absolutely fantastic – but best of all, they are free.

This afternoon, Google issued a market update that adds bicycle directions to its app. This means you can now get driving, walking, public transit and cycling directions from within Google maps.

To get the new features, just allow Google Maps to download its update and pick your transportation method in the navigation screen. Of course, you may want to invest in a bike mount for your phone. At the moment, bike directions are only available within US based maps, but knowing Google, this may make its way abroad pretty soon.

Other new features include the ability to share your location through email, messaging or Twitter (in addition to Google Latitude) and a new quick-launch navigation icon for your program launcher.

Bring a bike on your next road trip – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

It might be a simple suggestion, but… bringing a bike (or two) on your next road trip will yield rich rewards.

Not only does a bike ride stretch your legs after hours in the car, it helps provide a lay of the land when you make a pitstop. Further, you’ll absorb more local flavor (markets, parks, impromptu street performances) than is possible solely on foot. Finally, riding a bike is good exercise! (And who among us didn’t eat just a little too much on our last vacation?)

Bike racks conserve trunk space but if you manage to fit the bike inside your vehicle you’ll have less logistical hassle. Pro tip: Folding bikes like those made by Bike Friday take up less space.

See also: 20 great bike rides

Berlin brothel to bikers: ride up and save!

by Tom Johansmeyer on

The travel and hospitality industry has tried so many ways to go green – from trying to wash fewer sheets and towels to using organic products in spas – that you might start to wonder if it’s running out of options. Well, if that is a concern, it’s probably time to look to the world’s oldest profession for some new ideas.

In Berlin, a brothel is ready to make you feel good for doing good. Clients of Maison d’Envie will receive discounts if the roll up to the front door via bike instead of car. There isn’t much parking in the neighborhood, laments Thomas Goetz, the bordello’s owner. So, he can free up some spaces for other businesses in this corner of what was once East Berlin, do his part to reduce carbon emissions and hopefully keep customers coming in the door despite the financial crisis.

Ride a bike instead of driving a car, and you get €5 (around $7.50) off the service you’re looking for. Currently, 45 minutes in a room (not necessarily for conversation, since prostitution is legal in Berlin) €70, but cyclists will see that fall to €65.

Walking, unfortunately, won’t get you the same perk. Goetz explains that he doesn’t have a way for customers to prove they didn’t drive and park nearby.

Can you think of a better way to save the planet?