11.2 - The Message from the Pandemic
Bleeper witnessed first-hand the massive increase in people cycling during the pandemic. We strongly support and endorse the approach of building upon what has been learned during this time and applying these lessons to future transport projects.
11.3 - GDA Cycle Network
Bleeper strongly welcomes any moves which would expedite the implementation of the GDA Cycle Network. A network of segregated cycle routes is critical to the growth of cycling in Dublin, and such a network cannot come soon enough.
11.5 - Cycle Parking
As a stationless bike share service, Bleeper is dependent on public cycle parking facilities. This stationless bike sharing model enables us to expand quickly to new areas without requiring dedicated infrastructure. However, if there isn't sufficient public cycle parking available, this can lead to reduced levels of service, as well as potential conflict with private bike users if there is too much competition for too few cycle parking spaces.
11.6 - Bike Sharing
Bleeper welcomes the acknowledgement that bike share services become less efficient, and more costly to operate, in areas of lower population density. However, this does not mean that there isn't public demand for bike share in these areas or that such services aren't beneficial to the community as a whole, and Bleeper would welcome any support which can be provided to enable bike share services to operate in low-density areas.
11.6.1 - Expansion of Bike Share Schemes
Having built a strong working relationship with the local authorities in which we operate, Bleeper looks forward to engaging constructively with the NTA and the local authorities to ensure that the expansion of bike share services is structured, coordinated, integrated and serving key urban areas.
11.6.2 - Electrification of Bike Share Schemes
Bleeper welcomes the NTA's commitment to support the provision of electric bike share schemes.
11.6.3 - Interoperability
Bleeper welcomes the NTA's overall approach to interoperability. Our primary focus is providing a positive experience for our users, and interoperability with other transport services will be a key part of that experience as we more forward.
11.8 - Emerging Personal Mobility Modes
Cargobikes
The increased popularity of cargobikes, both for personal and commercial use, should be given greater consideration in the GDA Transport Strategy. The sale of these bikes has boomed across Europe over the past couple of years, and similar trends are emerging in Dublin.
The physical dimensions of cargobikes should be incorporated into the design standards for cycle infrastructure, as facilities which don't account for them will become increasingly redundant.
One of the major barriers to cargobike ownership is their cost - they are expensive compared to conventional bikes (but very cheap compared to cars). As such, financial supports and incentives specific to cargobikes should be considered. These supports could be administered by local authorities or by state agencies such as the NTA or the SEAI.