Maintaining the cycling progress in the city.

One of the most visible consequences of the Covid19 outbreak in Dublin has been the delivery of safer cycling measures. With social distancing likely to be a central aspect of our new normal, cycling is likely to become an even more important mode of travel across the city of Dublin.

That being said, there is one thing that has the potential to impact Inner City householders and cyclists is their ability to store those bikes in houses that do not necessarily have the space, or a garden or side access.

Which is why the BikeBunkers initiative developed by Dublin City Council is to be welcomed. Indeed, it is being rolled out across Inner City communities at present, including Stoneybatter and Phibsborough, for example.

One potential drawback with the scheme, raised with me by Inner City residents is the annual cost per bike stored. The proposed cost per bike is €100 annually for BikeBunker users but unlike car parking permit applicants, there is no discount for a bi-annual subscription.

Therefore, I have written to Owen Keegan, Chief Executive of Dublin City Council requesting that he consider the introduction of a discount for BikeBunker subscribers similar to the car permit parking scheme operated by the Transportation Department.

It is my genuine belief that the BikeBunkers initiative has the potential to be transformative for those who live in the City Centre but I believe the costs at present need revising as, I fear, they could act as a disincentive.

As and when the Chief Executive responds back to my representations, I will share that update.