Boris Johnson lauds cycle hire at Conservative Conference

Just three bikes stolen from scheme in two months, says London Mayor

London Mayor Boris Johnson praised the performance of the capital's cycle hire scheme at the Conservative Party conference today, and urged the Party leaders not to cut London's transport budget, as reported by the BBC.

Johnson revealed that only three bikes had been stolen from the Barclays Cycle Hire scheme, which has been running for two months and is currently open to 'members' only.

The Mayor said the statistic proved the scheme's doubters had been wrong to predict its failure.

The three bikes have since been recovered and the thieves had their right to free travel revoked. The offenders have been offered the chance to earn the right back by volunteering.