Get on your bike -- if there's any left
Fringe performer Maria Tecce takes a Dublinbikes cycle for a spin
Saturday September 19 2009
SO far, so good. At 3pm yesterday the 15 slots at the Dublinbikes stand at Custom House Quay were empty. All of the shiny, new rental bikes were out and about with their temporary owners.
Is it any wonder? Figures released yesterday showed 6,000 people used Dublin's new rent-a-bike system in its first week, according to a delighted Dublin City Council. And no vandalism or theft either.
The scheme has been so successful that Dublin software firm Fusio has designed an application, or "app", for the Apple iPhone which allows users to check instantly how many bikes are available at any given bicycle station.
"It's location-based and uses a GPS compass in the phone so you can avoid the frustration of turning up to find there are no bikes," said a company spokesman.
Similar information is available on many mobiles via the net at www.dublinbikes.mobi.
Chariot
At Molesworth Street yesterday, singer Maria Tecce was pulling in to the docking station aboard her two-wheel chariot which she borrowed using a €2 subscription lasting three days.
"It's been fantastic. I live in Stonybatter and get a bike from Smithfield to here," said Ms Tecce, an American singer who lives in Dublin and who has just performed in concerts at the city's Fringe festival.
But what about navigating through Dublin's heavy traffic? "I just act like a car and obey the red traffic signals and I never do anything silly," she added.
Local councillor Andrew Montague said he was delighted at the scheme's initial success.
He added: "Now that Dublinbikes is here, people can see what a great asset it is to the city. The system is easy to use and it's a pleasant and enjoyable way to get around."
- Ciaran Byrne
