Dublin could have an Amsterdam-style "white bike" scheme if a sponsor would come forward to provide a cash injection, it was suggested today.
Dáil deputy Mr Martin Brady said a scheme could be introduced to let people to borrow bicycles and leave them at special stations across the city.
The Fianna Fail member for Dublin said the scheme would promote better fitness and be a part-solution to the capital's crippling traffic problem.
"Dublin Corporation has explored this suggestion as a free pilot scheme to raise awareness about bikes as a form of transport that would promote a healthy lifestyle and help ease congestion," he said.
Mr Brady suggested that users could register with the Corporation which would issue them with a "smart card" containing an electronic chip.
The card would be used to release security locks protecting the bicycles, ensuring that only registered users, rather than vandals, could get their hands on a bike.
"A white-bicycle type scheme was initiated by the Corporation some years ago. However many bikes ended up thrown into the canals and the River Liffey by vandals," Mr Brady said.
"This scheme aims to make users accountable for their travel."
But he added: "When investigated it proved too costly for the Corporation. "However, because of its potential I believe a corporate sponsor could step forward and promote the scheme - perhaps if it was used enough it could go beyond the pilot scheme," he said.
PA
