Skip to content

Bike hire scheme marks 15 years with photo contest

James W KellyLondon
News imageTfL A Santander Cycle is positioned on a park path covered in fallen leaves. Rows of tall trees surround it, and the rising sun shines directly through the trunks, casting shadows across the ground.TfL
News imageTfL A bride in a white dress and cropped jacket kisses a groom in a grey suit on the steps of Chelsea Old Town Hall. Both hold Santander Cycles beside them. Confetti is scattered on the steps, and an arch of red and white flowers decorates the doorway above. TfL
David Atkinson's image of a Santander Cycle with the sun rising in Regent's Park was described as "captivating"
Nicolas Moura and his wife were crowned the overall winner of the competition with their wedding day snap at Chelsea Old Town Hall

A Chelsea wedding, a Coronation street party, St Paul's Cathedral and a Regent's Park sunset would not be considered strange settings in a photo competition - but their subject is more unusual: A hire bike.

Transport for London (TfL) established the photo competition to mark 15 years since it launched what are often referred to as "Boris Bikes", after Boris Johnson who was mayor when they were first rolled out - although it was his predecessor Ken Livingstone who founded the scheme.

TfL encouraged riders to share pictures of the officially named Santander Cycles in locations that showcase London's "natural landscapes, landmarks and hidden gems".

More than 100 photographs were submitted to the competition, with judges from TfL and the Natural History Museum selecting the best 15.

The winning photographers have won a free annual cycle pass and a pair of tickets to a photo exhibition.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk

More on this story