Coca-Cola Zero Bikes scheme to go live in Galway, Limerick and Cork over the next six weeks

The Coca-Cola Zero Bikes scheme is to be rolled out in Galway, Limerick and Cork between now and Christmas.

The Galway launch will take place on Monday 24 November and will be followed by Limerick going live on Monday 8 December and the Cork on Thursday 18 December.

The National Transport Authority said today that people can pre-register now so they can use the bikes as soon as they are live on the streets. Customers who pre-register will also get a 50pc discount, receiving a special offer of €5 for an annual subscription.  This special offer will be available until the end of 2014.

When a customer registers for an annual subscription, they will receive a welcome pack in the post containing details of the scheme and a subscription card.

“The bikes will be an exciting new addition to the cities of Limerick, Cork and Galway for business and recreational users alike,” said Gerry Murphy, CEO of the National Transport Authority. “We urge anyone interested in using the bikes in any of the three cities to take advantage of the special 50pc discount offer by registering now at www.bikeshare.ie.”

The roll-out of the schemes is being made possible through an agreement by Coca-Cola Ireland to partner with the Department of Transport, the National Transport Authority and the Cities of Cork, Galway and Limerick. Coca-Cola Ireland will be investing €3m over five years in the project, supporting the operation of the bikes.

“Our investment in Coca-Cola Zero Bikes is part of our wider commitment to help encourage active healthy lifestyles and we hope this scheme will enable more people integrate cycling into their everyday lives, with the option of a healthier and happier commute,” said Frank O’Donnell, general manager, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland.

In June, Coca-Cola Zero became the commercial partner of Dublinbikes in a three-year agreement.

In October, the Dublin scheme, which was launched five years ago, reached a new milestone with 50,000 members now signed up for annual membership.