Urgent need for more safe and secure bike parking facilities in the City- Cllr Byrne
25th March 2015
47% increase in bike theft in South East Dublin area
Wednesday 25th March 2015, Dublin.
Cllr Claire Byrne, Green Party representative for Pembroke - South Dock, has today voiced her concern that safe bike locking facilities are urgently required in the Dublin area following a presentation to the Dublin South East Area Joint Policing Committee which reported that bike theft in the area has increased by 47% in the last year alone.
Cllr Byrne said: "This unprecedented rise in bike theft is deeply concerning to anyone who owns a bicycle and to those who want to see an increase in cycling in the city. Research has shown that people are far less likely to invest in a new bike and continue cycling after a theft, so it's something we need to tackle urgently.
"It is clear that the problem is getting worse rather than better. 47% is a huge jump by anyone's standard and this doesn’t include unreported thefts. No one would accept car crime to such an extent, so it is time for all stakeholders to roll up their sleeves and get to work on solutions to this problem.
‘’One way to improve this is to create more safe and secure bike parking facilities in the city. I would like to see Dublin City Council recreate the success of the Drury Street Car Park bike parking facility and open new monitored and secure locations, or to roll out more on- street bike lockers that are currently being trialled by Dublin City Beta Projects.
"There is of course an element of personal responsibility to all of this. I'd recommend for bike owners to invest in a decent lock, and to then lock it in the correct manner. Always report a bike theft. Taking note of the model, colour and the bike's serial number can greatly help the Gardai in identifying stolen bikes. And never ever buy a bike that you suspect to be stolen.
ENDS