It was due to be fully launched on 30 July, but now only pre-registered users will be able to enjoy the new facility, leaving others to wait another month before they can cycle around the capital, though no firm date has been given.

Transport for London (TfL) said the delay will enable it and Serco, the company running the scheme, to 'learn more about how Londoners engage with the scheme, including patterns of use, how we can best support customers, and to enable the scheme to bed down'.

Dave Escandell, leader of Access Legal from Shoosmiths' cycle campaign, said the delay was disappointing, but not a huge surprise: "It's widely acknowledged that there have been problems for TfL in completing the docking station infrastructure, with many docking stations yet to be ready to take bicycles.

"Furthermore, the registration for 'membership' was only opened today, just a week before the planned launch.

"The reason given for the delay appears an odd one, in that any data collected will only be from a select number of pre-registered users, who may well be using the scheme to supplement commutes to work. The data won't therefore include patterns of usage by tourists or opportunist hirers, so it'll be somewhat incomplete.''

Another cycling initiative in the capital – Cycle Superhighways – is also having problems, with one route hit by roadworks, and cyclists claiming others are little more than standard cycle lanes, which many riders consider dangerous.

Tell us what you think

All documents should be read and used in accordance with the terms and conditions. This document is for your general information only and is not a detailed statement of the law. It is provided to you free of charge and should not be used as a substitute for specific legal advice. If you require specific legal advice please contact our helpline on 03700 86 86 86.

• Phone
• Online
• Post