Capital bike scheme rolls out
The Dublinbikes scheme, which will allow members of the public to rent one of 450 bikes from 40 stations around the inner city was officially launched yesterday.
The scheme is similar to the Vélib in Paris, which has proved a success with locals and tourists, as well as self-service bike rental systems in 15 other European cities including Copenhagen, Vienna and Barcelona.
It is expected the silver, unisex two-wheelers with their distinctive blue rear mudguards and basket will become a common feature on the streets of the capital.
According to Dublin City Council, the bikes, which have three gears, have been specially designed for use in Dublin – probably a euphemism for special anti-theft devices and vandal-proof parts.
The scheme is a result of an initiative between the local authority and advertising firm, JC Decaux which is funding the €26.5m cost of the scheme in return for being allowed to place 72 advertising hoardings around the city over a 15-year period.
Labour councillor Andrew Montague, who proposed the scheme, was one of 150 cyclists to attend the official launch yesterday.
“It’s very exciting to see the bikes finally hit the streets. Dublinbikes is a great addition to Dublin city’s transport infrastructure. The network is designed to facilitate people using the bikes for short journeys in the city centre area,” said Cllr Montague.
The 40 stations cover an area of the capital from the Mater Hospital on the northside to the Grand Canal on the southside and from Custom House Quay to Smithfield in an east-west direction.
A council spokesperson said over 2,000 people had already subscribed to the scheme, with 500 alone joining over the weekend. It is estimated that each bike will be used about nine times per day.
People must register either online for one year’s membership at €10 or buy a three-day ticket for €2 by submitting their credit card details at one of the station terminals and leaving a €150 security deposit. For more information, see www.dublinbikes.ie.
Trips of up to 30 minutes are free with charges of €0.50 for one hour rising to €6.50 for four hours and €2 for every additional 30 minutes.
A council spokesperson said a 27-member maintenance team would carry out any essential repairs on a daily basis.
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