More than 74,000 people are now subscribed to the schemes
Statistics compiled today show that the surge in cycling is set to continue, with four new Coca-Cola Zero Bikes schemes successfully established by the National Transport Authority in Cork, Galway and Limerick by 2015 and by Belfast City Council in 2015. The new city schemes follow in the footsteps of the well-established Dublin scheme, developed by Dublin City Council as part of a broader civic amenity scheme with JCDecaux in 2009.
More than 4.5 million journeys were taken on the schemes in 2015 and there are now more than 74,000 people subscribed to a bike scheme, contributing to the growth of a widespread culture of cycling.*
The Dublin scheme continues to enjoy huge popularity being one of the most successful bike schemes in the world, with almost 58,000 subscribers and 4.1m journeys taken last year. The number of journeys made reached an all-time high on 8th October last year recording 17,222 journeys.
The regional city schemes, which were all fully launched by March 2015, saw almost 350,000 journeys made throughout the year in Cork, Galway and Limerick. The Belfast scheme, which launched in April 2015, also enjoyed strong uptake with 143,222 journeys made since its launch. There are more than 11,000 people subscribed to the three regional city schemes with a further 5,336 in Belfast.
Frank O’Donnell, General Manager of Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, welcomed the way in which people have embraced the Coca-Cola Zero schemes: “There’s no question that cycling continues to grow in popularity and we are pleased to have been able to support the introduction of these new bike schemes. Building on the successes of 2015, we will continue to work with our partners to drive this culture of cycling. We want to inspire and encourage people to avail of these schemes, and reach a point where everyone is using a bike on a regular basis.”
Anne Graham, CEO of National Transport Authority, said, “It has been a brilliant year for the Coca-Cola Zero Bikes schemes, with many of the people of Cork, Limerick and Galway incorporating them into their everyday routines. New habits are forming and we are calling on everyone to take Ireland’s cycling culture to the next level in 2016. It’s a great way to see more of your city without having to take the car. Whether you use one of the Coca-Cola Zero schemes or your own bike, it remains one of the most affordable forms of transport so there’s no excuse not to give it a try and to make “cycling more“ your New Year’s resolution.”
According to Owen Keegan, Chief Executive, Dublin City Council, “13.5M journeys have been made since the scheme launched in Dublin in 2009, bearing testimony to the huge success of scheme itself and the successful promotion of cycling as a healthier and much more environmentally sustainable transport option. Thanks to cycle-friendly initiatives like the Port Tunnel, HGV strategy and various infrastructural cycleway improvements, the number of cyclists entering Dublin City has more than doubled since 2006. Cycling represents a significantly higher mode share than ever before. Working with the National Transport Authority, Dublin City Council will continue to keep cycling high on its agenda, and to make Dublin an exemplar of international best practice in terms of mode share and safety.”
Joanne Grant, Managing Director JCDecaux Ireland, said: “There have been 13.5 million journeys made through the Coca-Cola Zero dublinbikes scheme since it began and in recent years the scheme has expanded greatly. This is facilitating further growth and uptake as the public opts to use it for more of their journeys. The overwhelming success of the scheme is an excellent demonstration of the effectiveness of the JCDecaux city partnership model.”
Belfast City Council welcomed the warm response the scheme has received in Belfast this year.
“We are delighted with the uptake the Coca-Cola Zero Belfast Bikes scheme has enjoyed since it was launched earlier this year. There have been over 140,000 journeys on the bikes to date, with the scheme providing a fast, fun and flexible way for people to travel around the city and an opportunity to get more active,” said the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Arder Carson.
*Figures correct to end of December 2015
Cork
Galway
Limerick
Belfast
Coca-Cola Zero dublinbikes Statistics 2015
Visit www.Coca-Cola.ie for news on upcoming events and activities.
Visit www.bikeshare.ie for information on the Coca-Cola Zero Bikes in Cork, Limerick and Galway.
Visit www.dublinbikes.ie for information on Coca-Cola Zero dublinbikes.
Visit www.belfastbikes.co.uk for information on Coca-Cola Zero Belfast Bikes.
