DublinBikes Scheme to End After 17 Years, New Service Planned
DublinBikes scheme to be discontinued after 17 years with plans for new service

Image: The Irish Times
Dublin City Council will discontinue the DublinBikes bicycle-hire scheme after 17 years due to ongoing losses and lack of expansion. A new scheme is set to launch, aiming to double the number of bikes and include both traditional and electric options, with a fleet of around 4,000 bikes.
- 01DublinBikes, operated by JCDecaux, has been running since 2009 but will end its contract in four months.
- 02The new scheme will potentially include a fleet of around 4,000 bikes, combining classic and e-bikes.
- 03DublinBikes has suffered from declining subscriptions and competition from stationless bike rentals.
- 04The annual membership fee for DublinBikes increased from €25 to €35 in 2020 and has remained unchanged.
- 05The council has not confirmed whether it will purchase the existing infrastructure or bikes from JCDecaux.
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The DublinBikes bicycle-hire scheme, which has been in operation since 2009, is set to be discontinued by Dublin City Council after 17 years due to ongoing financial losses and a lack of expansion. The council's contract with JCDecaux, the scheme's operator, will end in four months. The new service aims to significantly increase the number of bikes available, proposing a fleet of around 4,000 bikes that will include both classic and electric options. DublinBikes has faced challenges such as a decline in subscriptions during the COVID-19 pandemic and competition from stationless bike rental services. Despite various sponsorship deals over the years, the scheme has not turned a profit. The council has not disclosed whether it will acquire the existing bike stations and bikes from JCDecaux. The annual membership fee has remained at €35 since 2020, allowing subscribers to use bikes for free for the first 30 minutes. The average journey time is around 15 minutes, and annual subscribers typically incur minimal additional costs.
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The discontinuation of the DublinBikes scheme and the introduction of a new service could enhance cycling options for residents and visitors in Dublin, promoting sustainable transport.
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