Northern Ireland

Belfast bike hire scheme attracts 100,000 users in six months

Colin Thompson took the 100,000th trip on a Belfast bike. Picture by Hugh Russell 
Colin Thompson took the 100,000th trip on a Belfast bike. Picture by Hugh Russell  Colin Thompson took the 100,000th trip on a Belfast bike. Picture by Hugh Russell 

A new bike hire scheme introduced in Belfast in April has experienced a massive 100,000 rentals in its first six months.

There are now plans for the scheme to be extended, with proposals for more docking stations around the city.

Within the first three months of the scheme, rentals reached 1,000 a day.

This handy interactive map shows where you can pick up a Belfast bike:

By the third week of scheme in Belfast, the operation had attracted more than 4,400 users.

It is understood Belfast city council is now looking at installing docking stations at Queen’s University and Belfast Met in the Titanic Quarter.

Further stations could be installed at locations in the lower Shankill, lower Falls and lower Oldpark Road areas, as well as Crumlin Road Gaol.

Belfast Health Trust has also expressed an interest in installing stations at the Royal Victoria Hospital, the Mater Hospital and the City Hospital.

Currently, there are 300 public bikes at 30 bike docking stations in Belfast city centre.

DUP councillor Brian Kingston praised the Belfast Bikes scheme.

"So far it's been a successful scheme and usage levels have been encouraging,” he said.

"It's something that every modern city now seems to have and I think they are here to stay in Belfast."