Cyclists to benefit as Dublin plans 300 new residential bike storage bunkers
Dublin city cyclists are set to benefit as Dublin City Council have announced plans for 300 new residential bike storage bunkers.
The BikeBunkers service is designed to address theft concerns for urban cyclists, as they will be provided access to bike storage close to home. This follows the success of a pilot project, where 12 bike bunkers were installed around selected residential areas.
The results were overwhelmingly positive, with every unit fully subscribed and residents strongly encouraging the expansion of the programme. The Council will now develop a comprehensive 10 year framework to start spreading the bunkers across the city by the end of 2025. The widespread rollout will surely be welcomed by the frustrated previous applicants who waited up to two years just to find out if their application has been accepted.
With an initial four year service contract, Bleeper has been appointed the operator and will deliver, install, maintain, and service the BikeBunkers. As a service subsidised by Dublin City Council , they plan to offer a budget friendly option that makes parking available to residents around the city.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam welcomed the announcement stating: “This is a real win for communities, tackling one of the biggest barriers to cycling by giving people safe, secure bike storage close to home.”
“BikeBunkers will make cycling easier and safer for Dubliners, giving people the confidence to use their bikes every day without worrying about theft or storage. Rolling out BikeBunkers across the city is a real boost for communities and a practical step in making Dublin a truly cycle-friendly capital,” he added.
This service will encourage more people to cycle daily, according to Head of Road Safety and Micromobility Unit Jennifer McGrath, and help “communities embrace cycling as a convenient, reliable, and sustainable way to get around.”
“Bleeper has been meeting the needs of Dublin’s cycling community since our shared bikes launched in 2018, and we’re delighted to bring that wealth of expertise to the BikeBunkers service” says CEO of Bleeper Hugh Cooney. “We understand how important it is to have secure cycle parking, and we’re excited to be working with Dublin City Council to bring BikeBunkers to neighbourhoods across the city.”
This service is part of an effort by the council to create a more sustainable and cycle-friendly Dublin. Residents can register their interest in using a Bike Bunker by completing a short form on the website BikeBunkers.ie.
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