London’s bikes, bus stops and tube stations go rainbow for Pride
London’s transport network is celebrating Pride with its biggest ever campaign, wrapping vehicles and stations in rainbows.
A new rainbow design to raise awareness of Pride across the capital will be applied to Santander Cycle hire bikes, bus stops and major tube stations in London.
Fifty of the bikes have had their mudguards adorned with rainbows.
Rainbow flags will also be put up on bus stops in the busy Charing Cross and other areas.
Tube stations at Tottenham Court Road, Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus will have rainbow roundels, the TfL logo, installed for the event.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “Here in London, you’re free to love whoever you want to love and be whoever you want to be. That’s just one of the reasons why our city is seen as a beacon for the LGBT+ community and has such a vibrant, thriving scene – one that is bursting with colour, and contributes hugely to the life and soul of London.
“As commuters make their way across the capital, they’ll be greeted by rainbow colours taking pride of place at Underground stations, bus stops and Santander Cycles around Soho, sending a strong message of support to London’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. This Pride, I look forward to celebrating the capital’s diversity and showing that London is open to all people, regardless of background, religion, race, gender, disability, age or sexuality.”
Ben Lyon, Chair of OUTbound, TfL’s LGBT+ Staff Network Group, added: “We are delighted to be part of the Pride celebrations by decorating the transport network with our beautiful rainbow design at Tube stations, bus stops and on bikes. The capital is one of the most diverse cities in the world and we are extremely proud to be part of the message to the world that, whatever your sexual orientation, London is open and welcomes you.”
Sigga Sigurdardottir, Chief Innovation and Customer Officer at Santander, also commented, saying: “London is a city that has long championed diversity and inclusion. We are really excited to be a part of the celebrations and hope that local residents and visitors to the city enjoy exploring London on one of our rainbow Santander Cycles.
“This is just one piece of activity we have planned to celebrate Pride. We have a host of other celebrations going on throughout the rest of UK, from taking part in Pride marches and decorating a number of branches to creating rainbow themed menus in our staff restaurants.”
Pride in London will run from Saturday June 24 to Sunday July 9. The Parade is set to take place on Saturday July 8.
Transport for London unveiled its specially-designed rainbow bus back in 2015, featuring an iconic rainbow flag design and a ‘Ride with Pride’ slogan.
Then in 2016 the bus was brought back and was showcased at several London landmarks including St Paul’s Cathedral.
The idea was so popular that it caught on in Brighton too, with a second rainbow bus commissioned in the seaside gay capital.
