Bikes for hire scheme proving a success in Galway

The public bike scheme in Galway City has proven a huge success, with more than 2,100 annual members signing up in the first ten months.

And new figures from the National Transport Authority show that the Cathedral and Fr Burke Road are by far the most popular docking stations for the Coca-Cola Zero bikes.

According to the statistics, 2,144 people signed up for annual membership in the first ten months of the year, while a further 114 had temporary passes issued.

For the first time, the statistics show route information detailing the exact trips undertaken from start to end point.

Local Fine Gael TD Sean Kyne said an analysis of the statistics suggests the scheme can be expanded to outlying areas as far as Knocknacarra, Tirellan and Doughiska.

The Top Five stations from which journeys originated are the Cathedral (2,149 journeys); Fr Burke Road (1,674); New Dock Street (1,501); Claddagh Basin (1,438) and at the bottom of Eyre Square (1,385).

Deputy Kyne said: “An analysis of the usage figures will shape how the bike scheme develops and a number of conclusions can be drawn.

“The most popular routes on the scheme are from stations on the periphery of the area covered. Examples include the higher usage figures from Eyre Square and Fairgreen docking stations to stations including Claddagh Basin and Fr Burke Road.

“This is a strong indication that expansion of the service is needed in all directions – westwards towards Salthill and Knocknacarra, northwards towards Tirellan and Menlo, and eastwards towards Mervue, Renmore, Roscam and Doughiska.

“The high numbers of journeys originating and ending from the same docking station indicate regular usage of the service. This can be seen from the statistics for Woodquay, City Hall and Merchants Road stations.

“The number of annual memberships at 2,144 is a health sign of the popularity of the scheme, particularly given the population figures for the city.

“However, the number of temporary passes – three-day passes for a basic rate of €3 with longer journeys charged accordingly – stands at 114 and is somewhat disappointing.

“While the temporary passes increased in the summer months the figures could indicate a lack of knowledge of the scheme among visitors to Galway.

“The higher number of journeys originating and finishing at stations on the western edge of the scheme, such as Claddagh Basin and Fr Burke Road could indicate that bikes are being hired for journeys out to Salthill and beyond and again reinforces the need to expand.

“Improving transport in Galway city and county, requires investment in all modes of transport. I am pushing for further funding for the Galway Bike Scheme as well as for improvements to cycling infrastructure, such as cycle lanes and contra-flow systems,” said Deputy Kyne.