Just Eat Belfast Bikes users celebrate four years of cycling and 778,000 journeys travelled so far.

Members of the popular Belfast Bikes scheme have marked its fourth birthday.

Since its launch on 27th April 2015, usage has grown steadily with over 778,000 journeys travelled so far. There are Belfast Bikes locations across Belfast including at Titanic, The Big Fish, CS Lewis Square and Stormont in the East of the City.

Users have cycled more than 200,000 hours and burned one million plus calories (the same as around 500 large pepperoni pizzas).

Just Eat, a leading global marketplace for online food delivery, joined in 2018 as sponsor and to celebrate the fourth birthday users were gifted Just Eat Belfast Bikes saddle seat covers to mark the occasion.

John Greer, director of economic development at Belfast City Council, said: “Belfast Bikes continue to go from strength to strength, the public bike scheme is a healthy, convenient and enjoyable way to connect the city, the demand for bikes and additional docking stations is testament to its success.

“City development and living here are major priorities of the Belfast Agenda, our community plan, which focuses on improving connectivity and the city living experience - Belfast Bikes echoes this vision to continue to become a more cycle friendly city.”

He added: “With the summer season approaching I urge people to consider signing up to avail of a healthier and happier commute.”

The 5,500 annual subscribers pay £25 a year, and 3,800 casual users pay £6 for three days’ use, there is also a pay as you go option from £1.

Users can register for the scheme by telephone, online or via a Smartphone app.

After registration, the first 30 minutes of bike use is free of charge, which makes the bikes ideal for short journeys around the city.

There are currently 46 docking stations and 400 bikes, the most popular station is Ormeau Park in South Belfast while the most popular journey is Ormeau Park to Lanyon Place Train Station. 

While the bikes are available for hire 365 days a year, from 6am until midnight, the majority of journeys on Belfast Bikes occur on weekdays (Monday to Friday), with the average rental time of 18 minutes.

Find out more about Just Eat Belfast Bikes on the council website at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/belfastbikes