Request ID: FOI-0667-2324 Date published: 22 June 2023
You asked
I am writing to request that the following information is provided regarding the bikes that are used by Santander Cycles
- Make and Model
- Technical Specifications such as gears etc
- Any other additional options that are added to the bike
- Average cost per bike.
We answered
TfL Ref: 0667-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 2 June 2023 asking for information about our Santander cycles.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You asked: I am writing to request that the following information is provided regarding the bikes that are used by Santander Cycles - Make and Model - Technical Specifications such as gears etc - Any other additional options that are added to the bike - Average cost per bike.
We have answered similar requests recently which are published on our website using the following links:
In accordance with section 21 of the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply you with a copy of the requested information as it is already accessible to you elsewhere.
With regard to the technical specifications of the cycles, and additional options, we do not own the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) for the Cycle Hire bikes and therefore we are not able to provide you with this information and the scaled drawing showing the bike specifications.
This information is therefore exempt under section 43(2) as disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice our commercial interests, as well as those of PBSC and Pashley. As we do not own the IPR, releasing the specifications would breach copyright agreements.
The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities, but in this instance the public interest in ensuring that we are able to work with manufacturers to obtain the best possible products outweighs the general public interest in increasing transparency of our processes. That said, for your purposes you can, of course, take any relevant measurements from the cycles which are available for hire.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Sara Thomas FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
