Halfords is offering Northern Line commuters free loaner e-bikes

News that much of the Northern Line’s bank branch – from Kennington to Moorgate – was to close for 17 weeks for upgrades was understandably met with dismay. So, there’s a pandemic, it’s January, it’s freezing cold, you’re poor, etc. And now your commute has become (no longer) a nightmare.

Enter Halfords. It’s true – the gift of booster seats, antifreeze and helpful young men in polo shirts has developed a veritable wheeze of marketing. Basically, if you’re affected by the Northern line disruption, he’ll lend you an e-bike for free so you can get to work by other means.

The company is offering Northern line commuters with valid Oyster cards or season passes an electric bike free of charge for up to a week as long as the disruption continues. Bikes will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis and stock is limited. The program will be run from Balham, Hendon and Brixton branches of Halfords, all of which are close to the affected Northern line stations. Commuters should call or visit one of the stores to check availability and reserve a bike. You will need to pay a deposit of £101, refundable on return of the bike.

Alright, fair enough, it won’t be for everyone, especially those who like to settle down with a good podcast or a long play for the duration. But for others, it could be the start of a whole new relationship with London travel.

Find more details about the Halfords eBike Loaner Scheme here.

Also being upgraded: Big Ben.

Is this South London Underground the most beautiful in the world?