English on the Move
Ein Mietfahrrad ist eine gute Alternative, um im Großstadtverkehr nicht stecken zu bleiben und pünktlich sein Ziel zu erreichen. In London stehen Ihnen dazu die „Boris-bikes“zur Verfügung.
Using “Boris bikes”
Street congestion
Dieter: Alison, can I ask your advice?
Alison: Sure. What is it?
Dieter: Our offices are in three locations in the City and I have to get from one to the other. I’ve tried the Tube, but it takes ages and the buses are impossible. I’ve been here a month and I’ve been late to several meetings. Alison: Do you cycle?
Dieter: Yes. Why?
Alison: Well, Jim uses “Boris bikes” to get around. He thinks they’re great.
Dieter: Boris bikes?
Alison: They’re the red bikes you can see in racks at the side of the road. Anyone can hire them. Talk to Jim about it.
Hiring a bike
Jim: I use Boris bikes every day. I have an app on my phone that shows me my nearest docking station and the availability of bikes. As you’re here for only three months, you can do it on a one-off basis.
Dieter: Why does everyone call them Boris bikes? Jim: Because they were introduced when Boris Johnson was mayor of London. Officially, they go by the name of the bank that sponsors them — “Santander cycles”.
Dieter: So, how does it work if I want to hire one? Jim: You just go to the terminal at a docking station and touch the screen. Choose “hire a cycle” and follow the instructions. You’ll get a printout with a code you use to release your bike.
Dieter: How do you pay?
Jim: With a credit or debit card. Use your company card — I do. You’ve then got ten minutes to choose a bike.
Cycling in the City
Dieter: I’m a little bit nervous about cycling in such a busy city. There are so many buses and lorries. Jim: You need to be careful. There have been some nasty accidents. Generally, they happen when cyclists pull up on the inside of a large vehicle turning left. The bus or lorry driver can’t see the cyclist and an accident happens.
Dieter: But there are cycle lanes, aren’t there?
Jim: Lots of them. And there are even cycle superhighways for people who commute from the suburbs by bike. I can show you the routes I take, which avoid the heaviest traffic — and which docking stations are near each office.
Dieter: That would be great. Do I need a cycle helmet?
Jim: Yes, you do. It’s required by law.
Reporting back
Jim: How did it go?
Dieter: It was fine. I got my bike with no problem and took the route you suggested, avoiding Fenchurch Street.
Jim: Any hairy moments?
Dieter: Not really. I was very careful at traffic lights and I made eye contact with any driver who looked like they might pose a threat.
Jim: How was the return journey?
Dieter: Problem-free, too. You just have to keep your wits about you in the busy sections.
Jim: So, you’ll be “Boris biking” to work from now on, I suppose.
Dieter: I certainly will. And I’ll use the bikes to explore London at the weekend, too.