Pashley to produce new generation of Boris Bikes
Posted on in Cycles News
Pashley are set to produce the next generation of so-called "Boris Bikes" to the capital, as part of an £80m upgrade.
Transport for London said 500 new bicycles will be introduced to replace older versions from 2018, with all new bikes in place by 2022.
Produced by Pashley Cycles, the new models will be lighter, with smaller wheels and a lower frame, designed to be more comfortable for London's cyclists.
Steven Bell, the general manager at Pashley, said: "We are delighted to be working on such a prestigious and important scheme.
"Although we are still in the product development stage, our research and development team's design has been selected by TfL as one that meets requirements."
London mayor Sadiq Khan said: "I'm delighted to be able to announce the next generation of bikes for our popular cycle hire scheme.
"It's already known across the world as a convenient way to get around our city, so it's great news that these lighter British-made bikes will make it even easier for everyone."
More than half of the 11,500 Santander Cycles currently in circulation date back to the launch of the scheme in 2010.
Paul Cowperthwaite, Transport for London's general manager of Santander Cycles, said: "We've had six successful years of London's cycle hire scheme but we're looking to the future and are excited to be able to bring the next generation of Santander Cycles to London's streets.
"The new bikes will be lighter and slightly smaller, to encourage even more people to have a go, and will be made by Pashley Cycles, which has a rich history of producing bikes in the UK dating back to 1926."
Rupert Soames, Serco Group chief executive, said: "This is fantastic news and as a regular user of Santander Cycles, I am really excited that we have the opportunity to help continue to provide this iconic service for London's residents and visitors."