Belfast Bikes are making a welcome return to the city as Belfast begins to emerge from lockdown and begin its recovery journey.

The popular service was suspended in early April 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic – and now it’s back, with some important changes to help keep customers safe.

Whilst touchscreens remain out of use, JustEat Belfast Bikes can be rented via the Nextbike app, by calling 03433 571551 or emailing belfastbikes@nsl.co.uk

Lord Mayor, Alderman Frank McCoubrey said: “I’m delighted to see the JustEat Belfast Bikes back in use – it’s another sign of us slowly getting back to business as a city and beginning our recovery journey.

“While the bikes weren’t available for public rental during lockdown, I’m pleased that we were able to provide 35 Belfast Bikes on loan to front line workers, helping them to get to work quickly and easily.

“There’s been a real surge in cycling since the beginning of lockdown, with people finding it a fun, healthy way to get around and keep fit. I’m looking forward to seeing that trend continue, especially now we have access to additional pop up cycle lanes thanks to our work with the Department for Infrastructure and Department for Communities.

"There has been a renewed focus on improving our cycling infrastructure to help improve people’s health and wellbeing and to help tackle climate change and improve air quality, which is all part of our Belfast Agenda goals, and I hope we can continue to build on that momentum."

Customers are asked to stay safe by continuing to practice social distancing at docking stations, and not cycling in groups; inspecting the Belfast Bike before using it; washing or sanitizing hands before and after using a Belfast Bike; wearing gloves and wiping down handlebars with antibacterial wipes before and after use (and disposing of waste responsibly).