The easiest way to use one of the new hire cycles is to sign up online at TfL's Barclays Cycle Hire web page http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/cycling/14808.aspx for a membership key (£3).
From 3 December 2010, the scheme is also open to casual users. As a casual user, you simply need to swipe your Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card and purchase your access period: either 24 hours or seven days.
Cycle Hire Access Fees
• £1 one day
• £5 one week (7 days)
• £45 annual membership
Cycle Hire Usage Charges
• Free up to 30 minutes
• £1 from 30 minutes to 1 hour
• £4 up to 1.5 hours
• £6 up to 2 hours
• £10 up to 2.5 hours
• £15 up to 3 hours
• £35 up to 6 hours
• £50 up to 24 hours (maximum usage fee)
Penalties and Other Charges
If you don't return your bike, or you bring it back late or damaged, you may be charged up to £300.
Check www.tfl.gov.uk/barclayscyclehire for more information.
Barclays Cycle Superhighways in London

Barclays Cycle Superhighways are new cycle lanes into Central London from outer London.
The blue-painted Cycle Superhighways aim to provide cyclists with safer, faster and more direct journeys into the city.
Two Barclays Cycle Superhighways have launched - Barking to Tower Gateway, and Merton to the City. Ten more of these cycle lanes are planned by 2015.
Visit www.tfl.gov.uk/barclayscyclesuperhighways for more information on London's Cycle Superhighways.