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Bicycles help green Ireland's capital

By Mark Vanderbeeken - April 11, 2010

in Object Culture

A free bicycle scheme in this rainy metropolis of narrow roads, potholes and, it has to be said, bicycle thieves, has been a spectacular triumph. Indeed Dublin City Council boasts that the program is "the most successful in the world by any measure."

The Dublin bicycle program is part of an effort by the council to reduce carbon emissions and make the Irish capital a green city. A government bike-to-work tax incentive program introduced last year has also increased the number of bicycles on the road. It allows employers to buy bikes for up to a maximum of 1,000 euros, and sell them to their workers tax-free, which reduces the price by about 40 percent.

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leslie

14 years ago

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To help bicycles gain momentum here in the States, check out your local Bicycle Coalition, they are specific to your locale and work to make more bicycle facilities for everyone!

We advocate for projects, educate the public about safe riding and host events to promote biking for everyday transportation and recreation. I encourage you to support your local Coalition.
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jmeiser

14 years ago

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This leads me to the question; Why are the vast majority of bicycle friendly cities in these types of climates? Here in the U.S. , Bicycling magazine has just named Minneapolis #1. Where winters are brutal and the roads less than ideal we have incredible participation. We are only 1 of many in the U.S.: Portland, Chicago, Boston, NYC, etc... The list goes on. Add to that cities in Europe and it keeps getting longer... What is it about these cities and the people that others can learn and incorporate?
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Greg

14 years ago

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It's unfortunate, but this would conflict with helmet laws in many parts of Canada and the USA, and where it doesn't, they'll be too terrified of lawsuits to institute this plan.

Makes me want to move...
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mrdiamondhead

14 years ago

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What A Concept! Big Business American Companies like Chevrolet and Ford Opening Up Bicycle Plants All Across America to Reclaim Our Status of Super Green Power...
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