DKANE 02/07/2014
REPRO FREE
"Coca-Cola Zero Bike" unveiled- striking red-and-black design, automatic gear-change for users Schemes in Cork, Limerick and Galway to launch to the public this autumn July 2, 2014

Pictured here outside Cork's City Hall is Alan Kelly, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport with special responsibility for Public and Commuter Transport

The first viewing of the new, specially-designed bike for the regional cities' Coca-Cola Zero Bikes scheme took place in Cork's City Hall this morning, where Minister Alan Kelly TD and the National Transport Authority were joined by the Lord Mayor of Cork, scheme sponsors Coca-Cola Zero and operators An Rothar Nua.

Featuring a distinctive black design with bright red accents, the new bikes will soon be a striking presence on the streets of Cork, Limerick and Galway, when the three public bikes schemes launch to the public in the autumn.

And uniquely amongst bike schemes world-wide, these bikes have built-in gear-shifting technology, enabling automatic gear-changes which will contribute towards easier and safer cycling for users.

Cllr Mary Shields, Lord Mayor of Cork said: "The public bike scheme is an important development in seriously improving the options we provide for people to cycle around Cork city, and for injecting a new energy into life in our city centre."

Minister Kelly said: "We are becoming a nation of cyclists. Having bike-rental schemes will do more to improve and promote a cycling culture across the country than any other initiative. There is increased investment in cycling infrastructure with all junctions and streets becoming more cycling friendly. In Coca-Cola Zero, we have one of the world's best marketing companies actively engaged in cycling promotion. The benefits to the cities of Cork, Limerick and Galway will be huge and I look forward to it taking off in these cities just as it has done in Dublin."

Hugh Creegan, Director of Transport Investment for the National Transport Authority said: "Having developed and awarded the operation contracts and secured sponsorship, we are delighted to see these new bikes coming into production - launch day is within sight. With our partners in the local authorities we are confident that the schemes will be very successful - with locals and visitors alike - when they are launched later this year."

Monika Grauer, Coca-Cola Ireland said: "Coca-Cola are delighted to partner with the government, the National Transport Authority, the local authorities and An Rothar Nua to help bring the Coca-Cola Zero Bike Scheme to Cork, Galway and Limerick. Today is an exciting milestone for the scheme and we're very excited to be unveiling the bike here in Cork. Working with our partners, we hope to replicate the success of the Dublin Bike Scheme, helping to make cycling accessible to thousands of people throughout the country."

Comprising 740 bikes in total, the scheme details are:
* Cork - 320 bikes, 31 bike stations and 635 bike stands
* Galway - 205 bikes, 19 bike stations and 395 bike stands and
* Limerick - 215 bikes, 23 bike stations and 445 bike stands.
Depending on the success of these schemes, additional schemes in other cities, such as Waterford, and other locations in Ireland may be introduced.
PIC DARRAGH KANE