THE Dublinbikes scheme is to be expanded under new proposals which will see an additional 950 bikes and 2,000 stands at 58 new locations across the city.
The hugely successful initiative will now stretch further west out as far as Kilmainham Gaol and east to the O2 arena, with dozens of stations in between to cater for demand.
Locations for new Northside bike stations include North Circular Road, Gardiner Street, Eccles Street, the IFSC and North Wall Quay. On the Southside there’ll be new stations at over 40 sites including Ringsend Road, Pearse Street, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Francis Street and James’s Street.
Dublin City Council has been inundated with expressions of interest to have the scheme expanded and says it’s been embraced with resounding enthusiasm by Dubliners.
The details were announced by Lord Mayor of Dublin, Naoise Ã? MuirÃ, and the proposals were approved by Dublin City Council councillors last Monday (May 13).
“Dublin City Council’s Dublinbikes scheme in association with JCDecaux is one of the most successful public bike rental schemes worldwide,
? the Lord Mayor said.
“The expanded bike scheme will provide for improved linkages in the city, the generation of 29 new jobs, the delivery of Government policy in relation to public transport and will further enhance the reputation of Dublin as a forward thinking and innovative city.
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It’s hoped that works on expansion of the scheme will begin in October and be completed during July 2014.
There are currently 33,000 long term Dublinbikes subscribers, with the bikes being used on a daily basis up to 7,000 times.
Cllr Andrew Montague (pictured), who first proposed Dublinbikes back in 2004, said he was delighted with the expansion proposals which will triple the number of bikes available.
“When I first proposed the scheme I had great hopes, but I never imagined it would be such a runaway success,
? the Labour councillor added.
“There have been over five million trips in less than four years but we want to see even more people use the bikes in the coming years.
“This expansion of the Dublinbikes scheme will encourage even more people to cycle in Dublin and will make for a more attractive city to visit and to work in.
“I’m looking forward to this expansion of the scheme. And over the coming years I expect to see further expansions with bike stations all across the city.
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Extension of the scheme was also welcomed by Deputy Lord Mayor, Clare Byrne (FG).
“Since it first began in September 2009, the Dublin Bike Scheme has been a huge success,
? she said.
“The scheme has been popular with tourists and Dubliners alike and with people of all ages across the city. It has been hailed as the most successful city bike scheme in Europe and the biggest complaint I have heard about it since its inception is that the scheme was not far reaching enough.
“This new deal will address the needs of those who use Dublinbikes, making areas beyond the boundary of the city more accessible, as far as Kilmainham, the O2 and the North Wall Quay.
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