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27/04/2016
Over 190,000 Journeys In First Year Of Belfast Bikes Scheme
More than 191,000 journeys have been undertaken by users of the Coca Cola Zero Belfast Bikes scheme, which celebrates its first birthday today, Wednesday 27 April.
With almost 6,000 annual and casual users, the bikes have travelled an estimated 174,000 km – a distance equal to four times the circumference of the Earth.
The scheme's first anniversary also will be marked with a special lunchtime birthday party, from 11:30 – 13:30, when Belfast Bikes users are invited along to share some cake and enjoy some music and some suitably themed entertainers who will be on hand to demonstrate their skills on unicycles, penny farthings and miniature bikes.
Belfast Lord Mayor, Arder Carson, said: "The bike share scheme has enjoyed a hugely successful first year in operation. The popularity of the scheme clearly shows that the Council were right to back this sort of transport in the city centre.
"As a result of this civic leadership, Belfast is a lot more cycle friendly than it was in the past, and its reputation as such can only be enhanced by the ongoing and planned future investments in the city's cycling infrastructure, helping us to reduce vehicular traffic, boost the health of our people and add to the friendly relaxed European atmosphere in the city.
Andrew Grieve from the Department for Regional Development Cycling Unit added: "With an average of over 500 bicycle rentals each day, the number of people using the bicycle as a healthy, convenient and enjoyable way to travel within the city continues to grow. The availability of this scheme together with the new bicycle infrastructure in the city centre will help more people to have the freedom and confidence to travel by bicycle for everyday journeys."
Matthieu Seguin, General Manager of Coca-Cola HBC in Ireland and Northern Ireland said: "Our investment in Coca Cola Zero Belfast Bikes is part of our commitment to encourage active healthy lifestyles. We are proud to have played a part in the success of the Belfast bike scheme over the past year, helping more people to integrate cycling into their everyday lives.
"Reaching over 190,000 journeys in just 12 months is a fantastic achievement, and is testament to how well the bike scheme has been integrated into the fabric of Belfast City. As the summer season approaches, I urge more people to consider signing up to the scheme, availing of the option of a healthier and happier commute."
There are currently 3,500 annual subscribers who pay £20 a year, and around 2,400 casual users who pay £5 for three days' use. Users can register for the scheme by telephone, online or via a Smartphone app. After registration, the first 30 minutes of bike use is free of charge, which makes Coca Cola Zero Bikes ideal for short journeys around the city.
There are currently 33 docking stations and 330 bikes. Further expansion is planned this year to three hospital sites and six community areas. Stations at the City and Royal hospitals are due to be installed in late May, with the other stations scheduled for installation later in the summer. The Council is developing a strategic plan for further expansion of the scheme.
(MH)
With almost 6,000 annual and casual users, the bikes have travelled an estimated 174,000 km – a distance equal to four times the circumference of the Earth.
The scheme's first anniversary also will be marked with a special lunchtime birthday party, from 11:30 – 13:30, when Belfast Bikes users are invited along to share some cake and enjoy some music and some suitably themed entertainers who will be on hand to demonstrate their skills on unicycles, penny farthings and miniature bikes.
Belfast Lord Mayor, Arder Carson, said: "The bike share scheme has enjoyed a hugely successful first year in operation. The popularity of the scheme clearly shows that the Council were right to back this sort of transport in the city centre.
"As a result of this civic leadership, Belfast is a lot more cycle friendly than it was in the past, and its reputation as such can only be enhanced by the ongoing and planned future investments in the city's cycling infrastructure, helping us to reduce vehicular traffic, boost the health of our people and add to the friendly relaxed European atmosphere in the city.
Andrew Grieve from the Department for Regional Development Cycling Unit added: "With an average of over 500 bicycle rentals each day, the number of people using the bicycle as a healthy, convenient and enjoyable way to travel within the city continues to grow. The availability of this scheme together with the new bicycle infrastructure in the city centre will help more people to have the freedom and confidence to travel by bicycle for everyday journeys."
Matthieu Seguin, General Manager of Coca-Cola HBC in Ireland and Northern Ireland said: "Our investment in Coca Cola Zero Belfast Bikes is part of our commitment to encourage active healthy lifestyles. We are proud to have played a part in the success of the Belfast bike scheme over the past year, helping more people to integrate cycling into their everyday lives.
"Reaching over 190,000 journeys in just 12 months is a fantastic achievement, and is testament to how well the bike scheme has been integrated into the fabric of Belfast City. As the summer season approaches, I urge more people to consider signing up to the scheme, availing of the option of a healthier and happier commute."
There are currently 3,500 annual subscribers who pay £20 a year, and around 2,400 casual users who pay £5 for three days' use. Users can register for the scheme by telephone, online or via a Smartphone app. After registration, the first 30 minutes of bike use is free of charge, which makes Coca Cola Zero Bikes ideal for short journeys around the city.
There are currently 33 docking stations and 330 bikes. Further expansion is planned this year to three hospital sites and six community areas. Stations at the City and Royal hospitals are due to be installed in late May, with the other stations scheduled for installation later in the summer. The Council is developing a strategic plan for further expansion of the scheme.
(MH)
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Leading global marketplace for online food delivery, Just Eat have been announced as the new sponsor for the Belfast Bikes public bike share scheme. Just Eat was awarded the sponsorship following a competitive tender and the newly branded bikes and docking stations will be unveiled later this year.
30 September 2016
Belfast Bike Scheme Wins At Cycle Planning Awards
The Coca-Cola Zero Belfast Bikes scheme has been named 'Best Integrated Community Hub or Cycle Scheme' at the annual Cycle Planning Awards, held in London. The bike hire scheme was launched by Belfast City Council in April 2015 and so far has attracted more than 4,000 annual subscribers.
Belfast Bike Scheme Wins At Cycle Planning Awards
The Coca-Cola Zero Belfast Bikes scheme has been named 'Best Integrated Community Hub or Cycle Scheme' at the annual Cycle Planning Awards, held in London. The bike hire scheme was launched by Belfast City Council in April 2015 and so far has attracted more than 4,000 annual subscribers.
11 November 2015
Three New Docking Stations For Belfast Bikes Scheme
Three new docking stations are being added to the Coca-Cola Zero Belfast Bikes public share scheme. Two of the docking stations are located at Queen's University, with a third being added in the Titanic Quarter.
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Three new docking stations are being added to the Coca-Cola Zero Belfast Bikes public share scheme. Two of the docking stations are located at Queen's University, with a third being added in the Titanic Quarter.
11 February 2015
Coca-Cola To Sponsor Belfast's Public Bike Share Scheme
Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland has been announced as the sponsor for Belfast's public bike share scheme.
Coca-Cola To Sponsor Belfast's Public Bike Share Scheme
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29 October 2010
Royal Exchange To Boost Belfast North
Fears that the multi-million pound redevelopment of a run-down part of Belfast city centre had been shelved have again been refuted this week with news that a planning application has been submitted. The application came five years after the Royal Exchange project was announced.
Royal Exchange To Boost Belfast North
Fears that the multi-million pound redevelopment of a run-down part of Belfast city centre had been shelved have again been refuted this week with news that a planning application has been submitted. The application came five years after the Royal Exchange project was announced.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
