Millionth Boris bike journey rider identified

Rupert Parson, a 37-year-old Technology Specialist, from Balham, South London, has been identified as the millionth rider of the Barclays Cycle Hire.

We’re a trusting bunch here at road.cc, so while some might suggest that the millionth journey on a Boris bike was undertaken by a suspiciously media-friendly individual, we’ll just stick to the script offered by Transport for London.

As a special thank you, Barclays has awarded Rupert and three friends free annual membership of the scheme for five years, as well as a cycling makeover at Bobbins Bicycles in Islington.

Rupert was one of the Mayor’s pioneers who signed up to the scheme before its launch at the end of July.

When asked how he felt about completing the millionth cycle hire journey, Rupert said, “It was a complete surprise, and I have to say that I thought it might be a practical joke when I first took the phone call.”

“I normally commute on my bicycle along the excellent Barclays Cycle Superhighway 7, but there are times when I have to take the tube, and on those days the Barclays bikes are perfect for taking me the last mile to work.

“I use the hire bikes regularly along the South Bank, between Waterloo station and work, and for nipping around town in the evenings and at the weekends.”

Explaining what he enjoys most using cycle hire bicycles, Rupert said: “They are very convenient. I became a big fan of the Velib scheme for this reason when in Paris, but did have a few frustrations with full and empty stations.

“I have been very impressed with the efforts of the cycle hire scheme team to ensure the smooth running at high turnover hire points, like those near Waterloo.”

Deanna Oppenheimer, CEO UK Retail Bank and Vice Chair Global Retail Bank, said: "We're delighted to be able to reward Rupert for such an historic milestone in the history of Barclays Cycle Hire. Along with over 100,000 other members, he has become a pioneer of the innovative scheme since its launch. To achieve the millionth journey in ten weeks was fantastic and we look forward to Londoners continuing to embrace the scheme."

Rupert is looking forward to his urban cycle makeover at Bobbins Bicycles where he hopes to find something a bit more interesting that his usual lycra, (it says here).

For tips on how to dress stylishly whilst using cycle hire, or your own bike, when cycling around London, check out TfL’s Cycle Fashion Style film at www.youtube.com/barclayscycle