Bike Week to encourage more cycling
Minister of State with responsibility for Public and Commuter Transport, Alan Kelly, launched National Bike Week 2014, taking place from June 14th to 22nd. Hundreds of free cycling events are taking place throughout towns, cities and counties in Ireland during the week-long event. This is the sixth year National Bike Week is running, with an even greater number of events taking place compared to previous years.
“Ireland is becoming a nation of cyclists,” said Minister Kelly. “The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport is committed to its continued promotion of cycling as a means to reducing the country’s reliance on the private car. Reducing car use will reduce carbon and other emissions from transport and will reduce congestion on our roads.”
The aim of National Bike Week is to persuade more people to cycle more often. National Bike Week is a celebration of cycling and reaches out to all in the community. Events are being aimed at every type of cyclist from the daily cycle commuter, to weekend cyclists and to the lapsed cyclist who may not have been on a bike for a few years.
“Cycling is benefiting the Irish economy. Last month The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport announced details of a €10 million investment package to develop greenways and cycling routes across Ireland.An increase in cycling rates throughout Ireland will reduce traffic congestion, lower pollution levels, and promote cycling tourism,” according to Minister Kelly.
National Cycle to School and National Cycle to Work Day will take place on Wednesday June 18th. A weeklong Bike Festival is being held in Dublin’s Phoenix Park, including bike races, a bike themed photographic exhibition, bike maintenance demonstrations, and Pedal in the Park. Galway, Cork and Sligo are also hosting bike festivals throughout the week.
Other events taking place during Bike Week include midsummer night cycles, mountain bike treks, family cycling events, heritage cycles, romantic tours by bike, a ‘Pedal to Paddle’ event, 10km, 30km and 50km cycles, free bike servicing checks, and cycling training and advice on how best to choose a bike. Events are taking place to cater for all ages and abilities.
Details of this year’s events can be found by logging on to Bikeweek.ie.