by Renee Israel
London City's new idea to introduce a bike hire scheme has attracted a lot of attention in the media - and not all of it is good.
While the scheme is meant to encourage 'green' transport and cut down on the number of cars that enter the inner city, there are many cynics (call them realists) who believe that thieves will not hesitate to target the bikes and take off with them.
Paddy Power has jumped in on the debate and is taking bets on the number of bikes that will go missing in the first year of the scheme.
Another betting market has opened on the celebs who are expected to take advantage of the bike scheme in a bid to give their own reputations a boost.
There are quite a large number of celebs on Paddy Power's list of expected bike users, ranging from the more obvious choices such as Katie Price at 4/1, to her Majesty the Queen at 500/1.
"The new bike hire scheme appears to have got off to a good start with Londoners out and about today in the warm weather," said Roberto Coladangelo, speaking for Paddy Power.
"Many critics though fear theft and vandalism will wreak havoc with the project and it remains to be seen if the security measures prevent the bikes managing," he added. "What we are sure about is attention grabbing celebs will be using the bikes to help boost their tree hugging reputations."
Odds on the number of bikes predicted to be stolen in the first year:
0 - 10 2/1
11 - 20 - 5/1
21 - 30 - 6/1
31 - 40 4/1
over 40 5/4
