Nearly 5,000 bikes stolen in Dublin shows a new approach is needed – Richmond

Proactive public safety measures are the only way to tackle bike thefts in Dublin with a marked rise in people cycling over the past year, according to Fine Gael TD Neale Richmond.

Figures released to the Dublin Rathdown Deputy reveals that 3,958 bikes were stolen in Dublin in 2020 with a further 867 stolen in the first four months of 2021.

Deputy Richmond said: “Over the past year there has been a marked increase in people choosing to cycle throughout Dublin, from families utilising our enhanced cycle lanes to commuters choosing not to use public transport.

“This increased uptake is very welcome, and we must do all we can to ensure that cycling is as safe and enjoyable as possible.

“However, with 3,958 bikes stolen in Dublin in 2020 and 867 stolen between January and April 2021; new measures must be taken to reduce these thefts.

“This is not a new issue and clearly we need to take additional measures to address incidents of bike thefts.

“We need to ensure not only that all new planning applications have adequate bike parking, but also that there is safer and better public parking for bikes.

“Introducing more bike lockers at public transport hubs, ensuring proper lighting and installing CCTV at bike parking are all important measures that must be pursued at a national level as well as a local level.

“An Garda Síochána’s ‘Lock it or Lose it’ initiative announced in May reminds the public to take extra precautions with their bikes by warning of bike thefts in the area, deter crime by monitoring the area and thus creating a safer place for bike parking.

“While some bikes can be recovered by Gardai, many are not returned as owners do not record their serial number when reporting the theft.

“If we want to encourage people of all ages to take up cycling, we must address bike theft.

“Local authorities and Government must come together with the Gardaí to ensure a far-reaching approach is used with as many safety measures in place as possible.” Deputy Richmond concluded.