London launches new bike hire plan

LONDON (AP) - London is launching a new bicycle rental program in hopes of easing congestion in a European capital once known for its gridlock.

London Mayor Boris Johnson, an avid bicycling enthusiast, put the first bikes on the road Friday — 4,700 out of a planned 6,000. Under the program, cyclists will be able to borrow bikes from 400 docking stations around the city.

At the start, only those who sign up for membership in advance are eligible to take part. Membership costs 45 pounds ($70) a year.

Tourists or other casual users will not be eligible for the program for at least another month.

London joins dozens of other cities with bike rental programs, including Milan, Boston Barcelona, Minneapolis, Paris and Zurich, to name but a few.