Public bike scheme set for expansion

The public bike scheme in Galway City is proving extremely popular, with almost 2,000 journeys recorded in just one month.

And the National Transport Authority is now looking at four new locations for the bikes to facilitate cross-river journeys – including Salthill, Knocknacarra and Renmore.

According to figures from the NTA for March – the most up-to-date available – the bikes in the city were used on 1,980 occasions.

The total distance travelled during that period was 2,459km, and the average trip duration was 15 minutes.

The NTA said it is “very satisfied” with the operation of the scheme to date.

“While the bike scheme is still in its early stages, membership in each city has been growing well. The rate of usage is also increasing.

“The authority is closely monitoring the operation of the scheme and is planning to undertake marketing and other activities in Galway in order to generate additional users,” Chief Executive Anne Graham said.

There are 195 bikes in Galway at a total of 15 docking stations – four other proposed stations were never installed due to strong opposition from locals.

“However, the authority is examining proposals for four alternative stations to service cross-river demand,” said Ms Graham.

Galway West Fine Gael Deputy Seán Kyne called for the expansion of the scheme ahead of the summer season.

“From the launch of the Dublin Bikes Scheme five years ago, I was convinced that Galway would benefit even more with its own bike rental scheme.

“The layout and design of our city is very suited to bike journeys and the scheme provides an easy, efficient and cost-effective way of getting around the city.

“As with the Dublin scheme – which has had two expansions so far – the focus should now be expanding the Galway scheme outwards to areas such the Westside, Salthill and Knocknacarra to the east and to Mervue, Renmore and Roscam to the east,” said Deputy Kyne.