I would like to know if there is any manual or criterion used to install/relocate new cycle hire stations. If so, I would like to know if this criterion is based on geospatial data such as demand, accessibility to a Cycleway, accessibility to a public transport hub...

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Our ref: FOI-2318-2021

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 15 February 2021 asking for information about Cycle Hire.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and our Information Access Policy. I can confirm we do the information you requested. You asked:

I would like to know if there is any manual or criterion used to install/relocate new cycle hire stations. If so, I would like to know if this criterion is based on geospatial data such as demand, accessibility to a Cycleway, accessibility to a public transport hub.

Stations within the current scheme boundary

When looking at new or relocated locations we are restricted by the amount of public space that is available within central London. Optimal locations would be prominent, busy, high footfall areas as those close to transport hubs, key destinations, parks, tourist attractions, cycleways etc. The cost of delivering a new docking station varies depending on the size and TfL uses Section 106 agreements with developers to secure funding for new docking stations close to new housing or retail developments.

In terms of the specifics for an exact location, for a site to be considered it would need to meet the criteria specified on pages 10 and 11 of the attached document: Developer Guidance (a document we provide to private developers who might want to relocate our stations).

Once a location has been finalised and a station designed it is then subject to a full planning application and subsequent public consultation

Stations outside of current boundary

Geospatial data is of more use on the outskirts of the scheme where we might be looking to move into new areas, and would often be used to support decision making. There is a huge amount of data available broadly coming in the form of :

• Accessibility based
• Locational characteristics
• Socio economic data
• Attitude based

Characteristics need to be ranked in terms of priority before they can be used to determine optimal areas for expansion. Once consensus might be agreed, then operational and financial considerations would then also need to be taken into account. Ultimately it would be the Mayor of London that would approve any large scale spending decisions.

In accordance with the FOI Act, we have redacted some personal information as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 40(2). This exemption to your right of access is applied in accordance with TfL’s obligations under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The exemption applies because disclosure of personal information would be a breach of the GDPR, specifically the first principle of the GDPR which requires all processing of personal data to be fair and lawful.

If you are considering submitting a further FOI request please think carefully about whether the request is essential at this current time, as answering FOI requests will require the use of limited resources and the attention of staff who could be supporting other essential activity. Where requests are made, please note that our response time may be impacted by the current situation.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely,

Melissa Nichols

FOI Case Officer

General Counsel

Transport for London

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