Cycling Promotion, 22nd September 2016

Coca-Cola Zero, the National Transport Authority and the four city councils of Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway have come together to celebrate the many thousands of persons who choose to cycle in our cities, especially for commuting to work or education.  The events will take place on Thursday September 22nd 2016, which is celebrated across European Cities as “In Town Without My Car” (or “Car Free”) day.

Celebrating our Cyclists

The numbers of persons choosing to cycle is growing every year.  The four Irish cities are delighted to celebrate and recognise our daily cyclists, and their positive choice for accessing the city. In particular, the public bikes schemes, all sponsored by Coca-Cola Zero, have had a significant impact on the cities.  Across the four cities, these bike systems collectively carry approximately 13,000 daily trips. This represents a significant element in our overall cycling numbers, and in our cities’ transport mix.

As part of the day, Coca-Cola Zero will have a series of pop-up cycle cafés at locations in the four cities, where cyclists will be able to enjoy complimentary refreshments.

Membership Promotion in Dublin, Cork, Limerick & Galway

Across the three cities of Cork, Limerick and Galway, membership stands at just under 13,000. However, nearly 14% of those members have yet to rent a bicycle. So, to celebrate our regular users, to encourage our non-users, and to attract new users, the National Transport Authority is promoting the Coca-Cola Zero Bike Scheme on 22nd September:

  • Anyone who uses a Coke-Zero Bike in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway on 22nd September will be entered into a draw for €500 bicycle vouchers. There are 4 vouchers for Dublin, 3 for Cork, 2 for Limerick and 2 for Galway.
  • In Cork, Limerick and Galway, on September 22nd only, there will be an opportunity at the Cycle Hub to join as a new annual member free-of-charge.

City Centre Hubs

As part of the celebrations across European cities for “In Town Without My Car” Day (22nd September) Day, each of the four cities, (Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway) will set up dedicated traffic-free space or Cycle Hub in the city centre.

  • Cork City Council will set up a Cycle Hub (and information stand on the draft Cycle Strategy) at City Hall, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
    • Evening City Cycle at 6.30pm
  • Limerick City Council will set up a Cycle Hub (and Information Stand on the City Centre Revitalisation Project) at Bedford Row, from 12 noon till 3:00pm
    • Lunchtime City Cycle at 1.30pm.              
  • Galway City Council will set up a Cycle Hub at Eyre Square, from 12 noon till 3pm.
    • Lunchtime City Cycle at 1.30pm.
  • Dublin City Council will set up a “Public Transport Through The Ages” event on Wolfe Tone Square , from 3pm to 7pm.
    • (Due to the proximity of the recent Great Dublin Bike Ride, and ongoing traffic restrictions associated with LUAS Cross City, there will be no organised cycle event in Dublin on 22nd September this year).

(Details of each of these events are below).

Coca-Cola Zero

Coca-Cola Zero will be rewarding and refreshing users of the Coca-Cola Zero-sponsored public bike schemes in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway who leave the car behind on 22nd September. Cycle-In Cafés will ‘pop-up’ on the streets of these four cities, where scheme users can pull in to enjoy some pastries, sandwiches and refreshments without ever leaving their bike. Coca-Cola Zero has also arranged for some surprise goodies which will be found in the baskets of the bikes on the day.

“We are delighted to be celebrating with all those who choose to leave the car behind and head into Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway on a bike. There is no more convenient way to introduce cycling into your routine than through the fantastic public bikes schemes, which are sponsored by Coca-Cola Zero.

“Car-free day on Thursday 22nd September is important because it appeals to a wide audience. We are calling on everyone to take part, and look forward to welcoming both new and regular cyclists to our Cycle-In Cafés for some refreshments,” said Aoife Nagle, Marketing Manager, Coca-Cola Ireland.

Expansion of Galway Bike Scheme

The NTA is also delighted to announce that the Galway Scheme will be expanded, with the construction of nine (9) new stations expected to be substantially complete by the end of 2016. The expansion includes three stations across the NUIG campus, as well as the first station intended to service the waterfront area, at Nimmo’s Pier. Details of the expansion will be provided at the Galway Cycle Hub.

Details of Hubs on Thursday 22nd September:

 Cork Cycle Hub at City Hall, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm 22nd September:

  • Public display of draft Cork Cycling Strategy
  • Membership promotion by An Rothar Nua with free registration available on site
  • Coca Cola Zero pop-up ‘cycle café’
  • Bike safety information from RSA/An Garda Síochána
  • ‘Bike Doctor’ giving free consultation and basic repairs
  • Bus Eireann stand with public transport information
  • Red bus, face painting, make & do, balloon man and clown on unicycle

 

Limerick Cycle Hub at Bedford Row, from 12:00pm to 3:00pm 22nd September:

  • Public consultation on the O’Connell Street revitalisation project by LCCC/LST
  • Membership promotion by An Rothar Nua with free registration available on site
  • Coca Cola Zero pop-up ‘cycle café’
  • Bike safety information from RSA/An Garda Síochána
  • ‘Bike Doctor’ giving free consultation and basic repairs

 

Galway Cycle Hub at Eyre Square, from 12:00pm to 3:00pm 22nd September:

  • Membership promotion by An Rothar Nua with free registration available on site
  • Coca Cola Zero pop-up ‘cycle café’
  • ‘Bike Doctor’ giving free consultation and basic repairs
  • Local bike shop promotion, with selection of bikes

 

Dublin Cycle Hub at Wolfe Tone Square, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm 22nd September:

  • ‘Public Transport through the Ages’ free family event open to all on Wolfe Tone Square, with an old Dublin street tram and old green double decker bus from the Dublin Transport Museum on display in the space, manned by a Conductor
  • There will face painting, music and a number of fun activities for everyone to enjoy on the day.
  • Coca Cola Zero pop-up ‘cycle café’
  • Tea, coffee and refreshments are available in the resident Tram Café on the square.