ADCB’s Bikeshare intiative a success

The ADCB-sponsored Bikeshare programme is available on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island and Al Raha Beach. Ravindranath K / The National

Cyclists have clocked up the equivalent of two trips around the world since ADCB Bikeshare launched last December. Run by Cyacle, the programme is currently in operation on Yas Island and Al Raha Beach, where there are 11 stations with 75 bicycles available for hire.

In the first eight months of operation, 5,641 people became members of the scheme and rode 78,689 kilometres on 8,536 trips. That’s an average of 9km per trip.

The service has been popular with residents and visitors alike. Al Raha Beach resident Emmanuel D’Oncieu is a regular user of Bikeshare and uses it to commute to and from work. “I live in Al Zeina and my office is in Al Muneera and it has been very convenient. Most of the time, the rentals have been perfect, so my experience overall has been good.”

The bikes are available around the clock, and there is a hotline for users to call should they need assistance. Cyclists can register online as a member, with options from one month to a year, or they can purchase a one- or three-day pass at the station kiosks. From there, users can take the bikes for up to one hour at no additional charge.

The service is an affordable attraction for visitors who want to explore Yas Island at a slower pace and enjoy a workout at the same time.

Abu Dhabi resident Timur Kazim says the programme has given him another activity to look forward to on weekends. “It has opened doors for more things to do in the neighbourhood. It is quite convenient as it is right next to where I live.”

The programme has been so successful, there are plans to expand it further across the capital. Majdi Abd El Muhdi, head of corporate communications at ADCB, says the cooler months should attract even more cyclists. “We continue to have high expectations and we anticipate that the coming months will attract more local users as the weather improves,” he says. “Additionally, as we look forward to the peak season in the UAE – tourists will have the chance to explore Abu Dhabi in a new, healthy and environmentally friendly way.”

Since the initiative started, the busiest months have been January (2,141 trips), February (1,415) and March (1,479). However, cyclists have still braved the summer conditions to clock up 290 trips during July, cycling 2,209 kilometres and burning 55,225 calories, or the equivalent of 98 Big Mac burgers, in the process.

Prices start from Dh15 for a one-day pass – with free 60-minute journeys – while an annual pass costs Dh499. For more information, visit www.bikeshare.ae