National Bike Scheme to be headquartered here
THE Bleeper Bike pilot scheme in Sligo has been hailed as a success and the company behind it are going to base their national headquarters here.
Founder and Managing Director of Eco Travel Ltd, Jarlath Gantly gave a presentation to Sligo Municipal District last week on the first year of the scheme.
The majority of the bike journeys on the 50 bikes were between IT Sligo and the town centre.
Peak usage times were from midday to 4pm and again from 6-7pm.
A user survey revealed 98 per cent were in favour of the bike scheme, 97 per cent would like to see it made permanent and 97 per cent thought the bikes improve the image of Sligo.
Eco Travel are now introducing a new larger frame bike with air filled tyres and 7 speed gears.
Independent Councillor Marie Casserly said it was “a really good example of positive collaboration between Sligo BID, IT Sligo, the Council, Local Enterprise and community groups.”
Sinn Féin Councillor Chris MacManus said it behoved the Council to promote eco-business initiatives and asked if there was any consideration of docking station West of the dual carriageway such as at Mitchell- Curley Park.
Independent Councillor Declan Bree commended the company on its initiative.
Fine Gael Councillor Sinead Maguire said corporate collaboration on such initiative was “the way forward.” Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom MacSharry and Sinn Féin Councillor Thomas Healy also praised the scheme.
Jarlath Gantly said that on a fine day the stats jump because people use the bikes a lot quicker.
He also said the National bike scheme will be based here in Sligo, along with the management team which will bring more jobs to the town.
Director of Services Tom Kilfeather agreed the “concept is right and it works.”