Tube strike enters fifth day as bike use soars

Lengthy queues for for taxis formed outside Paddington station

Tube services remain suspended on the fifth day of a strike over working hours and pay.

The action by members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union has crippled London Underground services this week, causing travel chaos in the capital.

The union has rejected a 3.4% pay offer and is campaigning for a cut in its members' 35-hour week, which Transport for London (TfL) said was unaffordable.

The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is also suspended for the second time this week as part of a separate industrial action by the RMT.

The leader of striking Tube workers has called for a summit to try to resolve the dispute.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey called on London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan to meet the union in a bid to find a resolution.

"Instead of going on social media, instead of the old tired clichés, telling trades unionists to get round the table, you're the mayor of London, you're the chair of Transport for London," he said.

"Stop going on social media, invite us to the meeting, let's have a discussion, because I want to know what is going on in London."

The mayor's office said Sir Sadiq had "ensured TfL is ready to restart talks" with the union to resolve the dispute.

Mr Dempsey also warned of further strike action if there was no resolution.

He said the union "takes no pleasure in causing disruption" but "makes no apology for fighting for our members".

Meanwhile, e-bike usage has spiked in the capital as commuters sought alternative ways to get around the city.

Lime revealed a more than 50% jump in trips during rush hour traffic on Monday and Tuesday, rising to three-quarters by Wednesday.

Bike use has soared, with E-bike companies experiencing a spike in rentals