Bike hire scheme to launch in Mullingar and Athlone after Easter

Published: Fri 15 Apr 2022, 12:04 PM

Last updated: Fri 15 Apr 2022, 12:05 PM

A bike hire scheme for Mullingar and Athlone will be available from Monday April 25, the county council has confirmed.

Residents will see the distinctive hire bikes in place across 10 locations in each town. Initially 30 bikes are being trialled.

This scheme was designed in partnership with Moby Bikes Ireland, who bring a lot of experience in the public bike hire market to the project.

Moby launched in 2019 and operate the Dublin Bike electric bike hire, they also have a presence in London, Utrecht. Singapore and New York.

In a statement, Westmeath County Council said: “This is the first time a scheme of this type will be rolled out in two regional towns and is an exciting development for Westmeath.

“The scheme will help to reduce the number of short car journeys, which in turn will help to reduce the carbon footprint of both towns.

“It will also give people flexibility to get around the towns with ease.

“The bikes are robust and easy to cycle for all abilities, and the app makes it easy and convenient to hire a bike at short notice.

“It scheme also provides another option for visitors to the town as it will allow them to get out and about in, to see the sites and explore the area with all the freedom a bike offers.”

The cathaoirleach, Cllr Frankie Keena, said: “The provision of a bike hire scheme in both Mullingar and Athlone will be of major benefit to the public as they go about their daily activities.

“It will encourage people to get out of the car and use these bikes for the short journey throughout both towns.

“It will also be of major benefit to our tourism industry and will greatly assist in attracting tourists to the area. I now welcome the fact that the bikes will be on the streets within days.”