There’s no denying that cycling has become a popular activity during lockdown. With quieter roads and the ongoing commitments from Government towards safer cycling infrastructure, the past 18 months have been marked by an increasing number of bike enthusiasts being able to enjoy the benefits of cycling like never before, taking to their bikes around parks, greenways, beaches and beauty spots.
And what better way to celebrate cycling than by taking part in Bike Week 2021.
Taking place between September 12th and 18th, Bike Week is a celebration and promotion of all that's great about bikes and cycling. In partnership with the National Transport Authority, funding is provided by the Department of Transport to Local Authorities and Local Sports partnerships throughout the country to contribute towards a variety of events both on the ground and online throughout the week.
It is hoped that Bike Week will encourage new and lapsed cyclists to get on the bike and make cycling part of their lifestyle. People across the country will be able to join in events in their counties and consider cycling as a convenient way to travel on the commute, for shopping trips and leisure.
Bike Week is a great opportunity to promote cycling at a grassroots level and help people to get back on the saddle
There are hundreds of events taking place across the country to cater for all ages and abilities, including Group Cycles and Family Fun Cycles nationwide along selected routes, Cycle Safety Training and Workshops, Women on Wheels, Disability Inclusion Cycling, Heritage Cycles, Bike Clinics, Bike Yoga, Photo Competitions, and many more.
Speaking about Bike Week, Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD said: “It’s fantastic to see so many events organised this year to celebrate Bike Week. The number of people who are choosing to get around by bike is growing steadily, so it’s important that cycling is at the forefront of our thinking as part of the solution to reducing our carbon emissions.
“I look forward to seeing the results of continued investment in sustainable transport measures that promote cycling as a carbon neutral way to travel.”
Speaking from Cork during a visit to Midleton and Glounthaune Greenways, Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton TD said: “Bike Week is a great opportunity to promote cycling at a grassroots level and help people to get back on the saddle. With the right infrastructure and support in place as we continue to invest almost €1 million per day in walking and cycling projects, we can make cycling attractive, safe and easy to access for all.
“We have seen a new beginning for cycling in Ireland over the past 18 months as a result of the pandemic and now is the time to make lasting changes to how we travel.”
CEO of the National Transport Authority, Anne Graham said: “I hope that the events organised throughout the country during Bike Week bring together new, occasional and experienced cyclists to promote cycling as healthy, low-cost and environmentally friendly way to get around.
“Cycling and walking increased throughout the pandemic and local authorities are delivering exciting projects like segregated paths and other facilities that encourage more people to use sustainable modes of transport as part of their daily routine.
“We are also making significant progress with our ‘Safe Routes to School’ programme with cycle parking actively being delivered to schools around the country, as part of the programme and also the Green-Schools Travel Programme.”