London assembly member, Jenny Jones, visited Lewisham and Greenwich to see if the Barclays Cycle Hire scheme could be extended

London assembly member, Jenny Jones, visited the boroughs to find out if the Barclays Cycle Hire scheme had the potential to be extended to both areas.

Docking stations are currently in central London but there are no plans to introduce them to either borough.

Ms Jones said: “If we want people to stop using their cars we need to expand the scheme.

“I wanted to highlight just how easy it would be to have a cycle stand in Greenwich and Lewisham.”

She added: “If we are going to wait for Boris Johnson it could be very unlikely. But if I’m elected mayor next year it could happen.”

Ms Jones says she is going to write to Lewisham and Greenwich councils and will be raising the issue with Transport for London (TfL).

The former Deputy Mayor of London said: “People should start lobbying TfL as we absolutely do need to put pressure on them so they understand it is wanted.”

Ms Jones also met with cycling groups to discuss their concerns and issues.

Peter Hayes, from Catford Cycling Club, says expanding the cycling hire scheme is “an excellent idea”.

Mr Hayes, 66, said: “We have got to do something to encourage people out of their cars and this would be a good starting point.

“Around our borough people are scared of the roads.

“We need to think about which designated routes they would use and how to improve cycle ways.”

A TfL spokesman said: “Our current priorities are to extend the scheme to the east of London in time for summer 2012 and add to the number of docking stations in the existing cycle hire area.

“However the Mayor would certainly be keen to take cycle hire to other parts of London if further funding becomes available."