More than 100 Santander Cycles docking points installed near major rail stations

TfL will install 105 new Santander Cycles docking points around Network Rail stations in central London by the end of the year, boosting connectivity between different modes of transport and allowing commuters and visitors arriving into London to pick up a cycle easily.

New docking stations will be installed around Paddington, Blackfriars and Victoria stations, as well as near to Queensway Tube station, in the coming weeks.

Customers who use the docking station along Tooley Street near London Bridge station, one of the most popular on the scheme, will also benefit from an expansion of ten extra docking points for cycles.

24 hours' free access

As part of the work to encourage people to get active during the festive period, TfL is giving everyone 24 hours' free access to Santander Cycles throughout December.

Users should enter the code 'SCXMAS19' at the terminal, online or using the app, which will give them a day's worth of 30 minute journeys at no charge.

Santander Cycles are available throughout December, including on Christmas Day, and are an easy way to get around the capital to see all the Christmas lights.

Will Norman, London's Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: 'Last year saw a record number of cycling journeys across London, and our Santander Cycles continue to be a huge success.

'Having more docking stations around key transport hubs will make it easier for people to cycle as part of their everyday routine, whether commuters heading to and from the office, or visitors travelling around our city.'

Helen Sharp, Head of Cycle Hire Business Development at TfL, said: 'Cycling has multiple benefits - from keeping fit and improving wellbeing to getting around the capital in an easy, green and enjoyable way.

'Millions of people arrive into these major rail stations each day and by bringing Santander Cycles closer and making them more convenient we hope even more Londoners and visitors will use the scheme to cycle around the capital.'

Discover the capital

Dan Sherwood, Interim Chief Marketing Officer at Santander UK, said: 'We're constantly evolving the Santander Cycles scheme to ensure we're helping as many communities as we can.

'Boosting the quantity of cycles available at some of these key commuter stations will help alleviate some of the pressure at peak travel time.

'We also hope the free codes for December will encourage even more people to enjoy the benefits of cycling and discover the capital with their friends and family during the festive period.'

Ian Hanson, Stations Director for Network Rail Southern region, said: 'The benefits of cycling are well-known and we are delighted to support these new docking points which will be installed across Network Rail stations.

'Not only will it provide another mode of transport for commuters, but allow even more people to enjoy London, especially during the festive period.'

Ten years of cycle hire

This expansion follows a bumper year for Santander Cycles, with new docking stations installed, including at Victoria Park and at Westminster Pier, and plans announced for five new docking stations along Cycleway 4 in Bermondsey and Rotherhithe.

The scheme was part of London's biggest ever Car Free Day celebrations in September, with free 30 minute hires on the day.

TfL also provided hubs at popular locations to ensure people were able to hire and dock bikes during peak times.

Permanent hubs are in place at Waterloo, King's Cross and Holborn and temporary hubs were in place over the summer, resulting in an increase in people hiring and docking.

Next year will mark ten years of cycle hire in London and five years of Santander sponsorship of the scheme and a series of events is planned for the year to celebrate this milestone.

TfL is working hard to encourage Londoners to incorporate more healthy and sustainable travel into their daily journeys and Santander Cycles is enabling people to start cycling.

Notes to editors:

• More details about the Santander Cycles scheme is available here: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/cycling/santander-cycles
• The 'SCXMAS19' code is valid throughout December, one code per person. Any number of 30 minute journeys in a single 24 hour period are included and users must dock cycles within 30 minutes to avoid being charged
• Additional docking points are being installed at the following locations:
  • Blackfriars Station - 36
  • Warwick Row (near Victoria station) - 22
  • St. Mary's Hospital (near Paddington station) - 20
  • Queensway Tube station - 17
  • Tooley Street (near London Bridge station) - 10