On Your Dublin Bike!
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the city’s new rent a car system (Go-Car) and to be honest it’s not a bad idea but still in its infancy. It would be wrong of me then, to ignore the green alternative, the ever more prevalent Dublin Bike, it’s time to get one your Dublin Bike! While Dublin Bike is not a new concept, over the last year bike terminals have been appearing all over the city.
These are terminals, supplied by Dublin City Council, where you can pick up or drop off rented bikes, in the beginning stages were in central hub areas or tourist spots are now beginning to appear in more residential areas. While the bikes may not be the most attractive or indeed “cool”, they are functional, and in any way when have Dublin City Council ever been big on design? I’m guessing they got their main inspiration from the Barbie collection and then painted them blue so they could be described as unisex. They also have a pretty basket on the front, which I suppose would come in handy if you had to change out of your high heels or even somewhere to put your handbag (I maybe being sexist). The main sponsor for this project is Coca-Cola Zero (that’s the one with no sugar), maybe Red Bull would have been a better option.
So how does it work and what does it cost?
Subscription for the 3 Day Ticket costs €5, which is debited from your account at the end of the subscription period. The Annual Card costs €20 and is taken from your credit card or your bank account by direct debit. Please note that VISA Electron and Laser Maestro debit cards are not accepted. On subscription, you also authorize the provider to request a €150 guarantee from your account, this is your deposit. This amount will not be debited unless the bike is not returned after a period of 24 hours.
Both subscriptions allow you to rent a bike as many times as you wish during the period covered by your subscription. However, if you exceed the first half hour which is free, the service charge is debited at the end of the subscription period (in the case of the 3 Day Ticket), or monthly (in the case of the Annual Card). First ½ Hour: free -1 hour: €0.50 – 2 hours: €1.50 – 3 hours: €3.50
4 hours: €6.50 – Every extra ½ Hour: €2. So if you pick up and drop off within a half hour I guess you could cycle for free.
That is how the system works and it truly is remarkable how popular it has become with residents and tourist a like. The immediate area has seen a large increase in the number of stations. Emmet Road, Military Road, Inchicore Road, James Street, even the quite country lane that is the High Road has gotten its own terminal facing the Garda Station.
Here is a complete list of the new Dublin Bike Terminals in the city
– Guild Street
– St. James Hospital (Central)
– Mount Brown
– Brookfield Road
– Kevin Street
– Parkgate Street
– Collins Barracks Museum
– Heuston Bridge North
– Heuston Station Central
– Heuston Station Car Park
– Heuston Bridge South
– Mater Hospital
– Market Street South
– St. James Hospital (Luas)
– Western Way
– Kilmainham Lane
– Wolfe Tone Street
– King Street North
– Frederick Street South
– Emmet Road
– Rothe Abbey
– John Street West
– Oliver Bond Street
– Eccles Street East
– Blackhall Place
– Barrow Street
– Francis Street
– South Dock Road
– Fitzwilliam Square East
– Hardwicke Place
– Newman House
– Sir Patrick Dun’s
– City Quay
– North Circular Road
– Denmark Street Great
– Hanover Quay
– Grand Canal Dock
– Benson Street
– Lime Street
– Sandwith Street
– New Central Bank
– The Point
– The Convention Centre
– Deverell Place
– Talbot St (extended)
– Strand Street Great
– Clonmel Street
– Fenian Street
– Excise Walk
– York Street (East)
– York Street (West)
– Grattan Street
– Mount Street Lower
