Belfast’s public bike hire scheme, Just Eat Belfast Bikes, has introduced 450 new ‘smart’ bikes to its fleet in the city. Designed with the user in mind, the bikes’ new upgraded features will bring an improved riding experience for customers.
The ‘SMARTbike 2.0’ has a smart technology framelock integrated into the bike which is powered by a solar panel. In addition to returning the bikes at the docking stations, people can now park a bike and lock and unlock using their smart phone instead of the current chain bike lock, making the user’s journey more flexible.
This framelock includes integrated GPS so any missing bikes can be easily located. The design of the bike will also help to prevent vandalism with a smart lock fitted to the back of each bike that will only be released when someone rents the bike.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Alderman Frank McCoubrey, said:
“The introduction of these new smart bikes to the Belfast Bikes fleet is great news for current users of the Belfast Bikes and new users. There’s been a real surge in cycling over recent months in the city with people finding it a fun and healthy way to get around and get exercise. These new smart features will enhance the enjoyable cycling experience of the Belfast Bikes. We welcome the funding provided through the Department for Communities’ Capital Covid-19 Recovery Revitalisation Programme to enable us to provide these innovative new bikes.”
The Belfast Bikes scheme launched in 2015 to help reduce car usage and traffic congestion, while offering a low cost and healthy way to travel around Belfast city centre.
For more information on the Belfast Bikes, visit www.belfastbikes.co.uk.
