Ireland's National Bike Week Set For Mid-June

The aim of bike week is to raise the profile of cycling as a healthy and fun mode of transport.

A number of headline events in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Waterford are currently being organised to celebrate the upcoming national bike week. Minister Dempsey called on local communities right around the country to organise events in their own areas during the week.

Speaking at the launch Minster Dempsey said: "I really want people to look again at cycling as a fun and healthy way of getting around.

"With Ireland's first National Bike Week happening this June, I hope people around the country get involved and organise events. A local event can be as small or as elaborate as people want it to be.

"Perhaps people might organise a mass cycle around the local town or village. Maybe a street barbeque could be organised if the sun shines or even if it doesn't! Maybe an organised cycle to a local beauty spot could get people interested. 

"It doesn't matter what it is. The important thing is just to organise something to remind people just how fun and healthy cycling can be.

"I want to see cycling interests of whatever type - sports, recreational and individual users, community groups, business organisations, schools and local authorities get involved to help make bike week the success I know it can be. 

"Cyclists matter. Just like other road users they deserve a safer, easier travelling experience and that's what I propose to deliver with Ireland's First National Cycle Policy which I published earlier this month. I have funding available this year to promote and put in place sustainable travel initiatives to encourage more people to cycle, walk or take public transport more often.

"We are going to invest over the coming years to make cycling a safer and more attractive alternative mode of transport. Events like National Bike Week can play an important role in getting people interested in biking again.Lets work together to make it a success."

Bike Week is a cross-community effort led by a group comprising cyclist.ie (Ireland's National Cyclist Lobby Group), the Dublin Cycling Campaign, representatives from the various strands of the cycle industry, An Taisce, local authorities, the health sector, Cycling Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, private individuals, the Office of Public Works, the Dublin Transportation Office, the Road Safety Authority, and the Department of Transport.