Barclays to sponsor TfL cycle hire and superhighways

Mayor of London Boris Johnson arrived on one of the first TFL cycle hire bicycles when he made the official announcement in Potters Fields on Friday morning.

Also riding one of the new Canadian-made cycles was Deanna Oppenheimer, Barclays CEO UK and Vice-Chair Global Retail Bank.

"These are Rolls Royce bicycles," said the Mayor. "They have cow-catchers, big fat tyres for going over bumps, three gears, mudguards and a comfortable saddle.

“I'm delighted that Barclays are on board and they are going to help us deliver the cleanest, greenest and healthiest form of public transport that London has ever seen,"

Deanna Oppenheimer, announcing a £25m sponsorship over five-years for the branded cycle hire and superhighways, said: "We are really excited to be part of these two flagship schemes that will help Londoners to lead more active lives and promote the benefits of cycling as a sustainable, environmentally friendly mode of transport.

"It will also take our brand around London, one of the most famous cities in the world and the home of our global headquarters, in an eye-catching and innovative way. So we look forward to supporting this programme. We are sure these schemes will become as iconic as the Tube or London buses."

There are plans for docking stations where cycles can be hired or returned in Lambeth Road, Leathermarket Gardens, New Kent Road, Park Street, Tower Bridge Road and Webber Street.

Borough Road, Hopton Street, Lower Marsh, Southwark Street and Stamford Street will all have two stations. Cycles will also be avaialable for use at the National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall and the IMAX.

The first Barclays Cycle Superhighway will open in Southwark Bridge Road on Monday 19 July just two weeks before the launch of Barclays Cycle Hire on Friday 30 July.