With people set to return to the office over the coming weeks and months, the news that a huge chunk of the Northern line will be closed for the first part of 2022 naturally sparked a lot of outrage.
Especially considering these works are due to last for 17 weeks (just over four months).
So if your journey to work is already a bit nightmarish, this will no doubt make things 100x worse.
However, Halfords has stepped in to offer a solution for commuters, as they face weeks of disruption.
The motoring and cycling store is offering free e-bike loans, so you can cycle into work if your tube journey is now impossible.
Halfords is offering those with valid Oyster Cards or season tickets a free e-bike for up to a week at a time, while the Northern line works continue.
These bikes will be provided on a first come, first served basis – as stock is limited.
The scheme will be running from Halfords stores in Balham, Hendon and Brixton – all near the affected Northern line stations.
Commuters must call or visit one of the branches to check availability and book a bike.
It’s worth pointing out that customers will have to pay a £101 deposit – but this is refundable when the bike is returned.
The brand has also created a handy chart of how long it takes to cycle from different stops, compared to tube journey times.
Journey times: Tube vs. e-bike
From To Time by tube Time by e-bike
Balham Elephant & Castle 14 mins 25 mins
Borough 17 mins 30 mins
London Bridge 18 mins 33 mins
Bank/Monument 20 mins 35 mins
Brixton Elephant and Castle 7 mins 14 mins
Borough 10 mins 19 mins
London Bridge 11 mins 22 mins
Bank/Monument 15 mins 24 mins
Hendon Elephant and Castle 34 mins 67 mins
Borough 32 mins 62 mins
London Bridge 30 mins 66 mins
Bank/Monument 28 mins 63 mins
Paul Tomlinson, cycling director at Halfords, said: ‘Maintenance on the Northern line will cause huge disruption to commuters who already had to travel on one of the busiest services in the whole country.
‘But there is another way to get around. E-bikes are fun, fast and simple, and much of Central London is now well-served by safe cycling lanes. So why not travel above ground and see what you’ve been missing all these years?’
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