Non-folding bikes are to be permitted on off-peak Docklands Light Railway trains on a permanent basis following a successful trial, Transport for London (TfL) has announced.

More than 5,000 cyclists travelled with their bikes on the DLR during a successful trial period that started in July 2013.

The bike trial on the DLR is part of the Mayor’s Vision for Cycling in London, the £913m plan to transform the Capital into a city where cycling is a key part of everyday life.

“Opening up the Docklands Light Railway to cyclists will be a great boost to the cycling community and make it much more convenient for cyclists to cross the river,” said Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.

“This is another important step forward in our mission to make it easier for more people to get cycling in the capital.’

DLR Director Rory O’Neill, said: `All cyclists are now welcome to use DLR services during off-peak hours and at all time on weekends and Bank Holidays.

`This follows our successful six-month trial during which the London Cycling Campaign provided advice and assistance.”

London Cycling Campaign Chief Executive Ashok Sinha said it participated in the trial, and was delighted Transport for London had agreed to allow off-peak cycles on the DLR permanently.

“This measure will open up new areas of the city to the many Londoners who ride bicycles and provide valuable cross-river links, encouraging more daily cycle journeys,” he said.

The move was also welcolmed by Sustrans, the UK charity which promotes cylciing, walking and public transport and works to shape policy on sustainable travel.

Sustrans’ London Director, German Dector-Vega, said:“This is a real step forward that will benefit many Londoners. Especially those who live further away from their workplaces and would like to cycle some of their journey, to people just being caught in the rain.’

“With more people than ever using a combination of bike and train for their daily journeys, things like simple and consistent rules for bicycles on trains across all train operators can make a massive difference.”