London bicycle hire project 'could improve air quality'

A proposed bicycle hire scheme could see air quality improve in London, according to a spokesperson from Transport for London.

The idea, which was first proposed by mayor Boris Johnson last year, would see the introduction of a bike hiring scheme which would make 6,000 bikes available to commuters, residents and holidaymakers in the English capital.

It would also mean more commuter cycle routes would be implemented across the city, cycle zones in town centres and bikes available for hire every 300 metres.

The scheme, if introduced, would have "a huge role to play in reducing the impact on the environment", said the spokesman, though "the biggest challenge is working with all f those organisations to deliver the scheme, because the roads and space is managed by different authorities".

A report published in November 2008 by Transport for London highlighted that cycling has increased in popularity of late but some barriers to introducing a bicycle scheme include inexperienced cyclists, safety worries and the availability of space.