Mobike rolls out cycles in London

A bike-sharing scheme that could rival London's so-called Boris bikes has been granted permission to operate in the British capital.

Ealing Borough Council in West London approved plans during a council cabinet meeting on Tuesday evening for Chinese company Mobike to launch a pilot project in Acton. The scheme will bring 750 bikes to the area and is set to start at the end of July.

Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for transport, environment and leisure, said: "We welcome Mobike's decision to start operating in Ealing. Hiring a Mobike is an easy way to give cycling a try over short distances, without committing to the expense of buying a bike, and we hope that residents will be encouraged to get out of their cars and cycle instead."