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Recently, I hired a Barclays Bike for the very first time ever and guess what? I only paid £2 for 24 hours, even though I didn’t need to hire for 24 hours. The bike felt a lot different from my regular bike, even though I thought it would be heavy, it was quite comfortable to ride. Seemed to have a shock absorber because each time a rode on to a bump, the journey remained smooth. More of a reason why Hiring a Barclays Bike in Hyde Park, London was the best decision ever!
So what made me choose this option? Simply fancied a change and recently I’ve been inspired seeing cyclists riding these amazing bikes on London’s roads.
Before setting out make sure you’ve packed your travel card, bus pass and a debit card or credit card, a bottle of drinking water and a helmet!
On arrival at Hyde Park (situated in Central London), look out for the Barclays Bike Docking Station. Found one at the entrance to the Park. Go to the ticket machine next to the docking station to choose your desired time scale for hiring and make your payment using a debit or credit card, then collect your receipt.
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/modes/cycling/barclays-cycle-hire/how-it-works
Once you’ve obtained your ticket, your are good to go!
I rode from the entrance of Hyde Park Corner, along the bank of the Serpentine Lake where I could see sunbathers on sun loungers, ducks quacking and rivets on the lake, then on to Knightsbridge and finally back to the docking station.
The benefits of hiring a Barclays Bike is that it enables those who can’t afford a bike of their own, the opportunity to ride one. They are ideal for short journeys, are a quicker way to travel around London, ozone friendly, affordable and you get the added health benefit of a work out.
You don’t have to ride on a main road if you don’t want to because Hyde Park has cycle lanes, that accommodate Barclays Bike. But if you can’t ride a bike, it might just be a good idea to learn how to cycle.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a companion either because there were cyclists cycling like myself having fun riding Barclays Bikes and having a great time as well. There were people of various age groups, like pensioners, groups of young adults, teens and families cycling.
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/modes/cycling/barclays-cycle-hire
great informative articles Bola. very clear instructions on how to hire a barclays bike.
Hi Elsie and thanks for the comment. Hope you get to ride a Barclays Bike one day.
Thanks for that info Bola..you gave me an idea to now bring the kids as they are good cyclists but I am to scared for them to cycle all the way from Camberwell to Hyde Park!
We can take a walk around then collect a bike to finish the day..a great way to tirer them out!!!
Hi Denise,
You wouldn’t need to cycle all the way from Camberwell to Hyde Park. Apparently, the bikes are for anyone over the age of 14, so perhaps you could pack the younger kid’s bikes in the car or on the car and drive to Hyde Park. Then hire a Barclays Bike each for the older ones. There are also parking places around the area. Check out
http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park/visiting-hyde-park/parking-facilities
and
http://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/the-london-cycle-hire-scheme
It sounds like you had a delightful day, Bola! When in London, I will check out a Barclays bike. I am curious as to whether there is a connection to Barclays Bank?
Thanks Lisa. Had a great day and glad you will be check out a Barclays Bike when you visit London. Apparently, the bikes are sponsored by Barclays Banks.
glad to hear you enjoyed yourself. have a couple of questions. do they also offer tandem bikes? am totally blind so would need someone to ride with. and how do you return the bikes? have fun, max
Hi Max. Don’t think they offer tandem bikes for hire, but there are places that do. Try
http://www.londonbicycle.com/hire/tandem
To return a Barclays Bike checkout step 3 here
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/modes/cycling/barclays-cycle-hire/how-it-works
Hi Bola. A Barclay Bike is a great way to tout Hyde Park and the surrounding area and the price is a bargain. We will see more of this elsewhere and I am all for it.
Hi Paul. I’m hoping that similar schemes will be introduced elsewhere and that more of us will enjoy the benefits.
That looks like so much fun! I think we should have bikes for hire out here too. That would get us all moving!
It was so much fun! Bikes for hire should be introduced where you are some day.
They are starting similar programs all over the US as well, including one here in Charleston SC. Wonderful idea and so happy that it was a good experience for you!
Hi Jacqueline. So glad similar programs are starting in the US as well, including Charleston SC. Would like to see Charleston SC one day!
Hi Bola, you had such a great time over Hyde Park by bike! I’ve been there and loved it, but I was on foot 🙂
Hi Ilaria. Yes I had a great time riding a Barclays Bike. Hope you get the chance to hire one on your next visit to Hyde Park!
Hi Bola,
The Barclays bike looks comfortable, and an easy way to navigate the neighbourhood.
I used to live in the other London with a Thames River, even with a Hyde Park subdivision. 🙂
Hi Bill,
The Barclays Bike was quite comfortable and easy to navigate. Thanks
I have been on the barclays bikes in hyde park with my friend. Its great during summer. My friend and I are 21 years old and we found the experience very relaxing. My mind was free and in a way I had the chance to meditated whilst cycling. It is also a good form of exercise.
Hi Lols. Glad you enjoyed you ride on a Barclays Bike. I sometimes find cycling therapeutic and a good form of exercise as well.