Time to get on your bike for Cork’s new scheme

From the People’s Republic to the Pedal Republic — Cork’s first public bike scheme went live yesterday, half-finished and six months late.

Fifteen of the city’s 31 new docking stations were turned on at noon, with a steady flow of users. They were: Gaol Walk, Fitzgerald Park, Bandfield, Dyke Parade, Mercy Hospital, St Fin Barre’s Bridge, Wandesford Quay, Bishop St, Camden Quay, Cornmarket St, South Main St, South Gate Bridge, Coburg St, College of Commerce, and outside the Cork School of Music.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) defended the two-phase launch of the scheme and said work on the remaining 16 stations will resume in January after a roadworks moratorium is lifted.