Rental bikes photo by Maixent Viau Usplash

How to rent a Bike in London: Best Tips & Advice


 

Cycling is a fantastic way to see London’s expansive metropolis, and it certainly beats being stuck on the tube. Nevertheless, it might be challenging to choose a bike rental location when it seems like new possibilities are opening up all the time. The most well-liked rental bicycles in London are described in this article.

The number of bike trips in the nation’s capital, which is currently at 700,000 per day, is expected to rise as the city works to become carbon neutral. Whether you want to know how to rent a bike for your commute, for sightseeing, or for a leisurely spin in the park.

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Use Cycle schemes in London

Santander Cycle photo by Taylor Floyd Mews Unsplash

The simplest way to rent a bicycle in London is to board a Santander Cycle. These red bikes, which are a staple of the city’s official cycling program run by Transport for London, are frequently seen. There are about 800 docking stations in the city with straightforward screens where you can pay for and unlock your bike with just a bank card. Downloading the Santander Cycles app is a great way to find docking stations, map routes, and check bike availability. A Santander Cycle can be rented for £1.65 per 30 minutes.

Best Tips& Advice: One can use a smartphone to hire a bike. The Santander cycle app can be found on iPhone and Android. This app is the only one that can send bike-release codes straight to the phone. And get to skip the docking station and get your bike quickly.

Download the app, then sign up for pay-per-pedal. To “hire now” from a local docking station using the app and receive your release code, use the app. You can now go forward by tapping your code into the docking station.

Also, you can  get information like this from the app

  • View the most recent information on which docking stations have available spaces and bikes.
  • Utilize an easy-to-follow map to plan your route.
  • Get alerts detailing the cost at the conclusion of your trip.
  • View your most recent travels and expenses.

Visit the bike rental shops in London

Rental bikes photo by Maixent Viau Unsplash

There are several trendy bike shops in London where you may rent a bike if you like to travel in the old-fashioned manner. The majority of rental deals include safety gear, and in-store professionals can advise and direct visitors to the city on cycling in addition to designing bikes specifically for each rider.

Best Tip and advice 

  • Make sure everything on your bike is functioning properly. Who wouldn’t want to ride a bike and look cool? Renting a bike with a chic paint job might be convincing. Examine the chain, brakes, and tires before renting any bicycles. If the tires are too flat or too bulging, it’s time for new brakes (if it shows signs of corrosion or wear).
  • Choose the right bicycle for the job. Road bikes shouldn’t be used on gravel or dirt roads since those surfaces are too abrasive for them.
  • Put on your helmet and your safety gear. London could be hectic, especially if you travel there on a bicycle at rush hour. Even if you and your friends are just enjoying a leisurely ride around town, wearing a helmet can help protect your head in case of an accident.
  • Avoid cycling there unless the pavement is designated for bicycle use. You are at fault if you hit someone while riding on the sidewalk because you were on the sidewalk. It doesn’t matter if they were looking or not; if you were not supposed to be on the pavement, you are responsible. This is just another argument in favor of insurance for all riders.
  • Learn how to signal well. You and other drivers who use the road must use bear indicators. Make concise and clear hand movements.
  • Give parking spaces for cars and lorries plenty of room. Lorry drivers may not see you because of their larger blind spots. Furthermore, keep in mind that when someone unlocks a parked car’s door, they might not be looking out for you.
  • Wear luminous clothing and invest in bicycle lights. This is almost as important as wearing a helmet. Riding a bike at night in dark clothing without lights is never a smart idea.
  • Maintain your focus. In the bustling city of London, anything can occur at any time. Keep your attention on the road and avoid talking on the phone. Try to make eye contact with cars, especially those who are turning into a crossroads, to ensure that they have observed you.
  • Keep your cool. The terrible truth about riding is that you will irritate drivers merely by being. Refuse to be intimidated and refrain from igniting the flames. Although it could be difficult and you might want to argue your point, it is not worth getting wounded in a road rage incident.
  • Buy a few cameras. Make sure they are visible as well. Drivers are substantially less likely to take unnecessary risks near you when they are aware that you are watching them.
  • Plan your route. Always know where you’re going; otherwise, you won’t be paying full attention to the road if you’re not sure which way to turn. It’s true that learning a route in London can be difficult, especially for visitors. Apps like Google Maps and others are helpful.

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Get to rent  the Lime Bikes

lime bike photo by Metin Ozer Unsplash

One of the many distinct electric bike rental businesses in London is called Lime Bikes. It’s also really simple to rent one of these pedal-powered electric bikes. Simply open the Uber app on your phone and follow the on-screen instructions to rent a bike.

To get started, you can either stroll up to the e-bike or reserve a nearby bike. The bike will open once the QR code has been scanned, and you may then go.

While using the Lime bikes there is no docking required. At the end of the trip, you are only required to lock the bike by use of a cable lock on the back wheel. One is always to lock bikes to keep them out of the way of walkways and access ramps and park them in the designated spot indicated by your app.

Best Tips and Advice: For the first time to rent lime bikes worries follow the following steps

  • First, always locate the  closest to you
  • Open your app, utilize the map on the home screen to locate a bike or scooter nearby, and then check to see if it has enough juice to meet your needs.
  • Step over to the ride of your choice.
  • Check to make sure it’s in good shape, then use your app’s “Scan to Ride” feature to scan the QR code of the bike or scooter.
  • On Lime bikes, this code is typically found behind the seat, but it can also be found on the handlebars.

While riding in bike lanes, it is strongly advised that you wear a helmet, abide by local traffic laws, and only ride within designated areas that have been designated as “authorized ride zones” by the Lime app.

Also read more: How to rent a Bike in Budapest: Best Tips & Advice