Located in the heart of Dublin 7, Smithfield Market is a bustling area with a mix of commercial, residential, and leisure facilities. Among its amenities are the convenient Dublin Bikes collection points, which make exploring the city by bike easy and enjoyable. In this article, we will discuss the Dublin Bikes scheme, its history, costs, and the locations for collection in Smithfield Market.

Dublin Bikes Scheme

Dublin Bikes is a public bicycle rental scheme that has been in operation in Dublin since 2009. The scheme is currently sponsored by Now TV, with previous sponsors including JCDecaux, Coca-Cola Zero, and Just Eat. The bicycles are designed to be unisex and user-friendly, equipped with three-speed Shimano Nexus gears, adjustable cushioned saddles, front baskets, kickstands, and bells. The bikes also feature LED lighting powered by a Shimano hub dynamo in the front wheel.

Smithfield Market Collection Points

There are multiple Dublin Bikes collection points in and around Smithfield Market, making it easy for residents and visitors alike to access and use the bikes. Some of the collection points in the area include:

1. Smithfield Square: Located in the centre of Smithfield Market, this collection point is easily accessible and close to various shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities.
2. Queen Street: Situated near the River Liffey, the Queen Street collection point provides easy access to the surrounding areas, including the popular Temple Bar district.
3. North King Street: Located near the Luas Red Line stop, this collection point connects users with public transportation options and other parts of the city.
4. Arran Quay: Situated near the Four Courts and the Law Library, this collection point is convenient for those working or visiting the legal district.

To find additional collection points or check bike availability, users can access the Dublin Bikes website or download the mobile app.

Cost and Subscription

To use Dublin Bikes, users must subscribe to the service. Subscriptions are available as a Long Term Hire Card for €35 per year or as a 3-day ticket for €5. Users must also authorize a €150 charge on their credit card, which is only charged if the bike is not returned. The first 30 minutes of each ride are free, with service charges applied after that time. The pricing structure is as follows:

Time 30 min 1 hr 2 hrs 3 hrs 4 hrs Rate Free €0.50 €1.50 €3.50 €6.50

After four hours, each additional 30 minutes costs €2. It’s worth noting that over 95% of journeys last less than 30 minutes, making the service virtually free for Long Term subscribers. Dublin Bikes only accepts Chip and PIN (or other compatible EMV cards) and does not accept magnetic stripe cards.

Dublin Bikes History

The Dublin Bikes scheme was first announced in 2006, with 450 bicycles and 40 stations in operation at its launch in 2009. Since then, the scheme has grown to include over 1,500 bikes and 100 stations across the city. The bikes are produced by the French bicycle company Mercier and maintained by JCDecaux.

The scheme has been a great success, with over 37,000 users and more than 828,000 journeys in its first ten months. The system has seen no accidents, no vandalism, and only one bike reported missing (which was later recovered).

Future Expansion

In 2010, a five-year expansion plan was adopted to increase the number of bikes to 5,000 and the number of stations to 300. The expansion aims to extend the scheme as far north as Dublin City University (DCU), as far south as University College Dublin (UCD), as far east as Sandymount, and as far west as Inchicore. However, progress on the expansion has been slower than anticipated, with only two of the 14 planned phases rolled out as of 2016. The scheme also reported a loss of €376,000 per year, leading to further expansion being put on hold.

Despite these setbacks, Dublin Bikes remains a popular and convenient mode of transportation for both residents and visitors to the city. The collection points in Smithfield Market and surrounding areas provide easy access to the bikes, making it simple to explore Dublin on two wheels.

Conclusion

Dublin Bikes has become an essential part of the city’s transportation network, offering an eco-friendly and healthy way to get around Dublin. With multiple collection points in the Smithfield Market area, it has never been easier to hop on a bike and explore the city’s attractions, parks, and neighbourhoods. The affordable subscription options and free first 30 minutes of each ride make Dublin Bikes an attractive choice for commuters and tourists alike, contributing to the scheme’s continued success and popularity.