ONLINE food delivery company Just Eat has been confirmed as the new sponsor of Belfast Bikes scheme.
Just Eat was awarded the sponsorship following a competitive tender process and the newly branded bikes and docking stations will be unveiled later this year.
The bike share scheme, which launched in the city back in April 2015 has had more than 6,000 annual subscribers, and 8,000 casual users to date, with over 40 stations littered around the city.
New docking stations have been added since the scheme’s inception, while others have been moved to cover areas of high demand. New stations include Ormeau Road, Stranmillis and May’s Meadows where technology company Allstate have opened new offices.
The scheme had initially been sponsored by Coke Zero, but has recently been without sponsorship. In April Belfast City Council announced opportunities for a sole or multiple sponsors for the scheme, with a bidders' event held.
The new sponsorship deal, the details of which are undisclosed, will play an important role in further developing the scheme, ensuring it is affordable for users and the ongoing promotion of cycling across the city.
Belfast Lord Mayor, councillor Deirdre Hargey congratulated Just East on its successful bid.
“It is great to welcome Just Eat as the new sponsor of Belfast Bikes, especially as Just Eat is such a well known household brand that has strong relationships with local Belfast restaurants and consumers.
“The fact that it is a technology focused company is in line with the aims of our Belfast Agenda which is looking at utilising the digital world more effectively to improve the lives of everyone living in, working or visiting Belfast."
“I look forward to seeing the newly branded Just Eat Belfast Bikes and docking stations being unveiled,” she said.
Ben Carter, UK marketing director for Just Eat added: "We're thrilled to be the new sponsors of Belfast Bikes. With over 100 restaurants in Belfast available on the Just Eat app, collectively delivering thousands of takeaways every week - from sandwiches at lunchtime, to fish and chips on a Friday night - we believe it's important to support local communities around the UK.
“We hope the people of Belfast will enjoy the bikes as much as they do their favourite dishes."
