Mobike reveals plans to expand in West London

Bike-sharing company Mobike is giving its presence in the capital a boost.

The firm has unveiled plans to expand its existing scheme in Ealing and bring its services to Hounslow, in response to an increasing demand from the city’s cyclists.

From February 1, Mobike will add 500 bikes to its Ealing operation, increasing the total number in the borough to more than 1,000.

To facilitate the growth, the firm said it will create 70 new parking hubs across the district.

Over in the Chiswick and Brentford areas of nearby Hounslow – where more than a quarter of the space is parkland – Mobike will launch a trial scheme.

Mobike’s UK general manager, Steve Pyer, said: “This development showcases Mobike’s rapid development across London and how our bikes are increasingly becoming a part of Londoners’ everyday life.

“This expansion improves accessibility and allows Mobikers to travel further, as well as support local councils in their health and sustainability goals.”

Ealing Council Leader Cllr Julian Bell commented: “The expansion of Mobike could not have come at a better time. We’ve seen high usage rates from residents since launching last September in Acton and the more residents getting active on their journey around the borough the better.

“As a cyclist myself, I know how convenient it is to get on two wheels so to have the dockless bikes more widely available across the borough is great.”

The authority’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Amrit Mann, said: “Encouraging more local journeys to be made on two wheels forms a key part of our plan to increase physical activity levels and so improve health, reduce transport related pollution and help ease congestion.

“We think this scheme offers a convenient new option for anyone looking to make a short trip in and around our borough when they don’t necessarily have their own bike.”

Mobike will officially kick off in Hounslow at Brentford Market Square on February 1.

The expansion follows launches in Manchester, Newcastle and Oxford.