Robbers and vandals give bike scheme a free ride -- so far
Operation Dublinbikes has taken off successfully, with robbers, vandals and graffiti artists giving the novel scheme a free ride -- so far.
The only hitch in its first week was a minor accident yesterday that saw one of the docking stands slightly damaged.
All 450 of the rental bikes launched last Sunday remained unscathed and accounted for, according to a spokeswoman for Dublin City council, which is co-sponsoring the scheme.
"There's been a huge uptake. None of them are damaged and they're all still there," she told the Irish Independent last night.
The only glitch so far was a minor accident yesterday that resulted in damage to four of the docking stands when a car accidentally reversed into it at the Hardwicke Street station, off North Frederick Street in north inner-city Dublin.
One of the stands was completely severed from wires in the road, while three remained attached but had been knocked over. There were no bikes docked in the station at the time.
Dublin City Council said the errant driver contacted the gardai immediately and workmen were soon on the scene repairing the damage.
Co-sponsor JC Decaux advertising is responsible for maintaining the bikes and their stands in exchange for free promotional billboards.
- Allison Bray and Caitrina Cody
