Bike rental studyfinds regional city schemes viable

A TRANSPORT agency has identified Cork as the perfect location for the roll out of a hugely successful European-style bike rental scheme.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has completed a feasibility study on introducing the scheme — based on the hugely successful “dublinbikes” initiative — in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford.

Dublinbikes has recorded some two million trips since its launch in 2009.

Dublin City Council says it is one of the most successful schemes of its kind in the world.

The Government asked the NTA to conduct a preliminary study on expanding the scheme to the four regional centres.

Its report shows the set-up costs would be in the region of €6 million, with running costs of almost €23m over the next 15 years — about €1.5m a year.

The report, which is due to be presented to Government in September, recommends a more in-depth study of each city, in conjunction with their respective local authorities, with a view to introducing the scheme first in Cork and Galway.

These cities are seen as perfect locations given their compact size, population bases and tourist numbers.

The Government, and the Department of Transport in particular, has welcomed the findings of the preliminary report and are understood to be anxious to press ahead with the more detailed studies.

In Cork, this will involve NTA officials working with the city council to identify suitable locations for the bike hire stands.

The study will also involve public consultation and will seek expressions of interest from potential advertisers

“This preliminary report from the NTA is hugely positive news for Cork city,” Cork Fine Gael Cllr Laura McGonigle said.

“If implemented, it will be of benefit to both tourists and locals alike.”

She said the scheme, which provides free or affordable access to bicycles for short trips inside the city, will offer an alternative to public transport or cars, reducing traffic congestion, noise and air-pollution.

“It is my belief that, if we build a cycle infrastructure, people will get on their bikes and cycle,” she said.

The positive news on the bike scheme comes just days after the Government announced a €700,000 investment in new cycle lanes for Cork.