LONDON’S bike hire scheme, which launches this summer, is to have its very own iPhone app, so pedal-pushers can find the nearest cycle docking point.
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GPS technology, as used with SatNavs, together with a map and database of the 400 docking points, provide the basics of the app.
“It won’t take more than a couple of taps to find what you need,” reads a statement on cyclehireapp.com, the people behind the scheme.
“Maps will come preloaded with the app – no internet connection needed – and it will work fine inside the tube.”
Under the bike hire scheme, backed by Transport for London, it will be possible to use a bike for as little as one pound for a half hour trip. After that, prices rise, so knowing exactly where the next docking point is could be a handy money-saver.
Before the official launch of the app, cyclehireapp.com is looking for suggestions on how to fine tune the idea. Our tip is for a built-in alarm gizmo that warns you when the half-hour is nearly up.
Meanwhile, the worldwide app market is set to continue its rapid expansion. According to a report for app store Getjar, last year’s figure for downloads of seven billion will be eclipsed by a 50 billion score by 2012.
