I don't think this is what Boris had in mind...

I don't think this is what Boris had in mind...

Author
Discussion

AbarthChris

Original Poster:

2,259 posts

217 months

Sunday 13th March 2011
quotequote all
So, I was out in London yesterday having a few beers and we decided to take advantage of Boris's bike hire scheme...

They're not the lightest things but they can be wheelied! smile


Mr E

21,778 posts

261 months

Sunday 13th March 2011
quotequote all
Like it. Can you jump them?

AVeryNaughtyBoy

630 posts

212 months

Sunday 13th March 2011
quotequote all
Good skills and I am amused but....

The problem with schemes like that is that people like you do something funny, that does not damage the bike, as a one off. People then start copying and outdoing until the bikes end up trashed. This means that the scheme either closes down, becomes so complicated with paperwork, inspections and deposits that people stop using it or costs the taxpayer an absolute fortune. If it is used for the purpose intended, many people will benefit and that has to be a good thing.

God I've got my sensible hat on today. [Sorry]

princeperch

7,950 posts

249 months

Sunday 13th March 2011
quotequote all
these bikes are like tanks - there is very little that you could do to cause significant damage to one to be honest.

bigandclever

13,838 posts

240 months

Sunday 13th March 2011
quotequote all
Not that interesting a video to be honest, but have a looksy... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MQVJ1BrhQw

And, of course, the mayor gets some air... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iQ0KTYdDhk

okgo

38,372 posts

200 months

Sunday 13th March 2011
quotequote all
Yet thousands are in for repair as we speak?

AbarthChris

Original Poster:

2,259 posts

217 months

Monday 14th March 2011
quotequote all
You've got to love the hypocrisy on PH. This forum advocates treating hire cars like race cars yet I pull a wheelie on a hire bike and I'm endangering the scheme!


AVeryNaughtyBoy

630 posts

212 months

Monday 14th March 2011
quotequote all
AbarthChris said:
You've got to love the hypocrisy on PH. This forum advocates treating hire cars like race cars yet I pull a wheelie on a hire bike and I'm endangering the scheme!
Have one back... rolleyes ( wink )

I did apologise for the wearing of my sensible hat at the time and I did make sure to point out that what you were doing was harmless fun. The jumping in the videos posted would have been less good for the bikes and the people who lack the skills but give it a go anyway will be the ones who trash the bikes.

Since writing that I have looked had a quick glance at the details of the scheme and was pleased to see hefty damage penalties. This kind of negates all of the above as it would appear that those responsible for damage pay for it.

And, for the record, I drive hire cars very carefully. Even ones with zero damage excess. (seriously)

AVeryNaughtyBoy

630 posts

212 months

Monday 14th March 2011
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Don't know where that stop sign came from on my above post...

Roman

2,031 posts

221 months

Monday 14th March 2011
quotequote all
AVeryNaughtyBoy said:
Have one back... rolleyes ( wink )

I did apologise for the wearing of my sensible hat at the time and I did make sure to point out that what you were doing was harmless fun. The jumping in the videos posted would have been less good for the bikes and the people who lack the skills but give it a go anyway will be the ones who trash the bikes.

Since writing that I have looked had a quick glance at the details of the scheme and was pleased to see hefty damage penalties. This kind of negates all of the above as it would appear that those responsible for damage pay for it.

And, for the record, I drive hire cars very carefully. Even ones with zero damage excess. (seriously)
Blimey, if you're 'a very naughty boy' I must be the spawn of the Devil!

AbarthChris

Original Poster:

2,259 posts

217 months

Monday 14th March 2011
quotequote all
AVeryNaughtyBoy said:
Have one back... rolleyes ( wink )

I did apologise for the wearing of my sensible hat at the time and I did make sure to point out that what you were doing was harmless fun. The jumping in the videos posted would have been less good for the bikes and the people who lack the skills but give it a go anyway will be the ones who trash the bikes.

Since writing that I have looked had a quick glance at the details of the scheme and was pleased to see hefty damage penalties. This kind of negates all of the above as it would appear that those responsible for damage pay for it.

And, for the record, I drive hire cars very carefully. Even ones with zero damage excess. (seriously)
I get your point mate, the scheme is good and I hope it will continue. Unfortunately some bikes will get damaged through ham-fistedness but I suppose thats bound to happen!

Sorry, should've also put a smiley in that last post as you did say you were wearing your sensible hat!


AVeryNaughtyBoy

630 posts

212 months

Monday 14th March 2011
quotequote all
AbarthChris said:
I get your point mate, the scheme is good and I hope it will continue. Unfortunately some bikes will get damaged through ham-fistedness but I suppose thats bound to happen!

Sorry, should've also put a smiley in that last post as you did say you were wearing your sensible hat!
No worries Chris.

Slaav

4,272 posts

212 months

Monday 14th March 2011
quotequote all
I never thought I would get sucked in but for various reasons....

I USE BORIS BIKES!!!! (that felt like an 'AA' meeting...)

I actually think teh scheme is very good - albeit the bikes really are like tanks.

Try to ride home on one twice a week and even got one back to teh office last week from The Old Bailey. Beats the tube and actually probably as quick or quicker than a cab smile

Brilliant and I aim to get all 5 of us on them after lunch on Thursday beer

Thanks BoJo.


AbarthChris

Original Poster:

2,259 posts

217 months

Tuesday 15th March 2011
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I agree! I think its a wicked scheme and I hope it continues.

They're great when you're out for a few beers in London and can't be bothered with a cab

Slaav

4,272 posts

212 months

Tuesday 15th March 2011
quotequote all
AbarthChris said:
I agree! I think its a wicked scheme and I hope it continues.

They're great when you're out for a few beers in London and can't be bothered with a cab
That was the first occasion I used them.... Left Milk and Honey (Fnar fnar) in Soho at closing and couldnt get a taxi or a moody cab. Walked almost to Marble Arch and thought F*CK IT!

Attacked the pillar with a cc and took longer to actually get the bike out than cycle the remainder of my journey home - No worries though and now have signed up fro teh year and use it as much as possible - few beers in town tomorrow evening adn if it isn't raining... BB here I come!


Burrow01

1,831 posts

194 months

Wednesday 16th March 2011
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What are they actually like to ride?

I use a Brompton when I'm in London and its a great way to get about, but would be interested to see what a Boris bike is like for the days I don't have the Brompton with me for some reason

Slaav

4,272 posts

212 months

Thursday 17th March 2011
quotequote all
They are big heavy tanks!

I think there are docking stations at all of the main stations so really very convenient.

And I did ride one home last night - try them. CAnt see them being much more work thana Brompton to be honest.


Not Ideal

2,906 posts

190 months

Thursday 17th March 2011
quotequote all
That by the Bank of England..??

AbarthChris

Original Poster:

2,259 posts

217 months

Thursday 17th March 2011
quotequote all
Not Ideal said:
That by the Bank of England..??
I think it is, yeah!

Burrow01

1,831 posts

194 months

Friday 18th March 2011
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Slaav said:
They are big heavy tanks!

CAnt see them being much more work thana Brompton to be honest.
Not been overtaken by one yet wink