Cycling in Dublin

Infrastructure, the Dublin Bikes scheme and the benefits of two wheels for a lower-carbon city.

Overview

Cycling in Dublin

SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities SDG 13 - Climate Action

Cycling is one of the most sustainable forms of transport available. It produces zero carbon emissions, reduces traffic congestion, and improves public health. Dublin has invested significantly in cycling infrastructure over the past decade, and the number of cyclists using the city's roads continues to grow year on year.

Dublin Bikes station in city centre
Cycling has become one of Dublin's fastest-growing modes of transport.
Bike sharing

The Dublin Bikes Scheme

Dublin Bikes is a public bicycle-sharing scheme operated by JCDecaux in partnership with Dublin City Council. Launched in 2009, it was one of the first large-scale bike-sharing schemes in Ireland. Users can pick up a bike from any station and return it to any other station across the city.

How It Works

  1. Register online at dublinbikes.ie or at any station terminal.
  2. Purchase a 1-day, 3-day, or annual subscription.
  3. Use your card or PIN to release a bike from any docking station.
  4. First 30 minutes of each journey are free with an annual subscription.
  5. Return the bike to any available docking point in the network.

The scheme has been so successful that it has expanded several times since launch, with stations now covering the city centre, the docklands, and the south inner city.

By the numbers

Dublin Cycling Infrastructure - Key Statistics

Growth in cyclist numbers and infrastructure in Dublin, 2015–2023.
Metric201520192023
Daily cyclists (Grand Canal cordon)9,45011,20013,500
Protected cycle lane km (Dublin City)40 km65 km120 km
Dublin Bikes annual trips1.8 million2.9 million3.5 million
CO₂ saved vs car (tonnes / year)~820 t~1,340 t~1,800 t

Sources: National Transport Authority (NTA), Dublin City Council 2023.

On the map

Key Cycling Projects in Dublin

Dodder Greenway

A 9 km off-road cycling and walking route along the River Dodder from Ringsend to Firhouse, connecting south Dublin suburbs to the city centre safely.

Strand Road Protected Lane

One of Dublin's most debated infrastructure projects, providing a fully protected cycle lane along the coast from Sandymount to Booterstown.

BusConnects Cycling Network Plan

A €2 billion plan to deliver 200 km of protected cycle lanes across Dublin by 2027, funded under the National Development Plan.

Why it works

Benefits of Cycling for Dublin

  • Zero emissions: Cycling produces no CO₂ or air pollutants during the journey.
  • Reduced congestion: Each cyclist removes one car from Dublin's already congested roads.
  • Health benefits: Regular cycling reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and improves mental health.
  • Cost savings: Cycling costs a fraction of the price of owning and running a car in the city.
  • Faster in city centre: At peak times, cycling is often faster than driving across Dublin city centre.