Opinion

Concern over Belfast bike vandals

The public bicycle sharing initiative introduced in Belfast two years ago has many positive aspects and, despite a number of technical issues in its early stages, there is a case for extending it to other urban centres.

However, it has been hit by an unexpected level of vandalism and theft in recent weeks, with almost half of the 576 bikes provided by the city council at an annual cost of £20,000 taken out of service.

Evidence emerging yesterday suggested that many had simply been thrown into the River Lagan, representing entirely unacceptable criminal behaviour on the part of the culprits.

It would be deeply disappointing if the scheme had to be abandoned as a result, and it is essential that its security arrangements are fully reviewed without delay.