Bike sharing schemes in Mullingar and Athlone launching next Monday
The pilot bike sharing schemes in Mullingar and Athlone are being launched next week.
Managed by Moby Bikes, who run similar schemes in Dublin city and county, they are the first shared bike schemes launched in regional towns. The aim of the project is to reduce car usage in Westmeath's largest population centres by giving the public the opportunity to hire a bike for €1 an hour.
The bikes will be located at 10 key sites in both Athlone and Mullingar with plans to expand depending on the take up of the scheme.
The Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Cllr Frankie Keena has warmly welcomed the launch of the bike for hire schemes.
“This is a good news story which will be a marvellous incentive in attracting extra tourists into the county, and it will also be of great assistance to residents as they move around the towns doing their daily activities,” he said.
“The bikes are fabulous and very comfortable to cycle. It is an initiative that I have been raising for quite a while and now I am just thrilled to see it coming to fruition,” added Cllr Keena.
“The main purpose of the project is to encourage people to get out of their cars and start cycling. The bicycles will be located at ten bike stations around both towns.”
The idea of a bike rental scheme in Westmeath's two biggest towns was first mooted by Cllr Hazel Smyth of the Green Party last year.
Cllr Smyth told the Westmeath Examiner that she is "absolutely over the moon" that the scheme is being launched.
"It's one of those things, I brought it up last year and was told 'No, Hazel, it won't work, it's too expensive."
Despite the council's initial reaction, Cllr Smyth is hopeful that the people of Mullingar will use the bikes in large number and in the process reduce the much complained about traffic congestion in the town.
"If I am going from the train station to the hospital it is a fair old trek. It will be so much easier to hop on a bike. It is absolutely brilliant, people will be able to grab a bike and make their way around.
"Combined with the Mullingar bus service it will give people an alternative to their cars. Instead of sitting in traffic, why not grab a bike or bus instead.
"I really hope it is successful. If it goes well it can be expanded out to include cargo bikes to bring children or bigger items in and there are different options, including electric bikes.
"It is a very exciting step forward for Mullingar," she said.
How does it work?
The customer simply downloads the Moby Move App to your phone. Register your details and select your town. The app will then show you where the nearest bike is located.
When you find the bike, simply scan the code on the bike and the app will unlock it. You are then free to use the bike for as long as you require. Your hire won’t end until you decide to return the bike. The charge is set at €1 per hour with a maximum charge of €16 per ride.
The bikes will be located at these locations in Mullingar:
Mullingar Train Station, Fair Green Car Park, Dominick Square (2 locations), Market Square, Mullingar Arts Centre, Mullingar Civic Buildings, Castle Street, Mullingar Town Park Entrance, Mullingar General Hospital
The ten locations in Athlone are:
Athlone Castle opposite Sean’s Bar, Athlone Castle beside tunnel, Church Street, Entrance to the Marina, Athlone Civic Buildings, Golden Island Shopping Centre, Dublin Gate Street, St Mary’s Church, Athlone Regional Sports Centre