POLITICIANS want to make dockless bikes easier to use between London boroughs.

Redbridge launched its own dockless bike scheme earlier this month. It is hoped more joined up thinking will allow the bikes to be used across the capital.

The scheme is being tried out across Redbridge for the next 12 months and the bikes are available for anyone with a smartphone to use.

Dockless bikes are a cheaper, more convenient alternative to the Santander Cycles of central London, allowing users to end their journey at any location within Redbridge, as long as the bikes are parked at a responsible location and are not causing obstruction.

Using a smart phone, residents can choose a bike from a map location, or go directly to a bike and scan a code. The app then unlocks the back wheel-lock on the bike.

The bikes cost 50p per half hour and annual membership costs £1. There is no deposit payment needed to use the scheme.

When the user finishes with the bike, they click the lock back into place and the users’ online wallet is automatically charged. The bike is then available for the next person to use.

Those using the bikes are encouraged with a points system to park in the dockless bike parking zones, but can leave the bikes in any reasonable location in Redbridge.

Each lightweight bike is equipped with lights, smart-lock technology and a built-in GPS.

Dockless bike parking zones currently available in Redbridge include:

  • Barkingside High Street
  • Chadwell High Street
  • Fullwell Cross Leisure Centre
  • Hainault Tube Station
  • Ilford Train Station
  • Lynton House
  • Snaresbrook Tube Station
  • South Woodford Tube Station
  • Redbridge Town Hall
  • Wanstead Flats
  • Wanstead High Street
  • Woodford Green

Keith Prince, GLA member for Redbridge and Chair of the Transport Committee, hopes to extend the scheme across London.

He said: “At the moment, each borough chooses their own supplier [of dockless bikes]. So, we have an eclectic mix of providers. I have three apps on my phone, I wanted to use a bike yesterday, but didn’t have the right app for that one. It’s not joined up.

“In the area around Chadwell Heath, you can cross three borough boundaries in the space of about 500 yards. From Dagenham, into Redbridge, then out to Havering. That’s three changes of bike.

He added: “We want to bring together the companies in London and get a pan-London agreement to allow a single London app.”