Boris insists on safe cycling for bike hire scheme

Mayor Boris Johnson is to encourage safe cycling for people who take advantage of his new bike hire scheme.

The scheme is due to launch next year and plans are being drawn up to make sure the thousands of extra riders it encourages are safe.

The bikes will have automatic lights which go on as soon as the rider starts pedalling.

A Transport for London spokeswoman said safety concerns raised by the central London boroughs affected by the scheme.

"As with any scheme of this kind there will be a very simple and basic condition of usage," she said.

The code of practice will be based on the Mayor's "Share the Road" campaign.

Its key messages include imploring road users not to turn the streets into a "war zone", and reminding them that "respect and goodwill benefits everyone".

Koy Thompson, chief executive of the London Cycling Campaign, said drivers needed as much advice as cyclists: "You have got to be telling motorists that there are going to be a lot more novice cyclists."

There will be about 6,000 bikes involved in the scheme, available at more than 10,000 docking stations across 17 sq miles of central London.