The success of the bike rental scheme has filtered out internationally and is clearly improving Dublin's image.
The influential and popular Wanderlust travel magazine has rated the best cities to cycle in in Europe and put Dublin 7th in that list.
It seems a combination of new measures taken by Dublin City Council – including the introduction of 30kmph zones and the rental bike scheme – around the city has made it the safest in the EU, according to Wanderlust.
Have a look at how they rated Europe’s cities in terms of bike friendliness and see what you think of their comments about Dublin.
1. Copenhagen, Denmark
“For visitors there are cheap bicycle rental ports across the city for a casual ride but there are also schemes for serious cyclists. Some bikes can be reserved via smartphone for forward-planners and also include a touch screen electrical pad for log-in and GPS navigation.”
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2. Budapest, Hungary
“Campaigns promoting cycling will soon be followed by improved paths and facilities in the Hungarian capital. Guided toursare becoming a popular way to see the city. A three hour tour with a local guide, visiting historical points of interest on both sides of the
Danube River, costs €24. Last year an impressive 80,000 people joined in the Earth Day bike ride around Budapest alone.”
3. Amsterdam, Netherlands
"There are about 880,000 bicycles in a city of 800,000people and 32% of all trips in Amsterdam are made on bikes while only 22% are taken in cars. City officials are even planning on creating more bike-parking facilities and cycling services to try and stop overcrowding and bicycle traffic jams."
4. Ghent, Belgium
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"There are cycle paths running through and around all of the city; perhaps more importantly cyclists always have right of way. Cities with tramways often boast great cycling infrastructures too, and Ghent proves this rule, making the city centre much more peaceful with the absence of cars. Visitors can rent a bike from €6.50 per half-day and €30 for a month."
5. Bordeaux, France
"The city has a network of 1,545 bikes across 139 docking stations that are available all-day every-day. Bikes are available to rent from only €5 for a week so it's fast becoming the cheapest and greenest method of transport in the south-western French city."
6. Malmö, Sweden
"Committing €47 million to boosting bicycle use over the next seven years, they have launched campaigns against overusing cars (“No Ridiculous Car Trips”)as well as promoting helmet use. They've even gone as cyclist-friendly as to name their cycle paths
for ease of GPS planning. Great for seaside cycle trips as well as city breaks."
7. Dublin, Ireland
"Setting an example for its nearby British neighbours, this city is pushing against urbanisation by developing a large-scale bicycle infrastructure. Soak up some of that famous Irish culture and indulge in a history or museum tour of the city. If you fancy it, the coast is only 20 minutes away so get on your bicicleta for a sea breeze."
"Lock up your bike for the night, find a pub or gig and – maybe after a Guinness or two – get involved in a merry jig. They also have pedicabs (think European rickshaws) if you don't fancy doing your own peddling. Plenty of 30km/hour zones and cycle paths in the city combine 'to make Dublin the safest EU capital'."
8. Prague, Czech Republic
"Prague has been working to make itself a cycling city since 2003.Cycling pathsare currently improving as they aim to have a comprehensive network of over 1,000km of cycling infrastructure."
9. Oxford, England
"Oxford is a compact, historical town in south England which provides picturesque bike rides a-plenty. The aim of the local council is to increase the proportion of journeys made by bicycle to 20% by 2021. Bicycles can be rented across the city centre for around £25-45 per week, or £10 per day, and many places also offer cycle tour packages."
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