CycleCoffeeCake pedals off again this August bank holiday weekend on Saturday 1 August at 10.30am from the Huntsman Inn, College Road. The route will explore quiet and calm routes to and through Renmore, Ballyloughnane beach, and Roscam.
It will pass by community hubs like schools, church and shops. This is a gentle social cycle event for adults of all ages and abilities. People who are new cyclers, nearly-new or who have returned to cycling during coronavirus lockdown are particularly welcome.
The Galway CycleBus will host a family cycle in Renmore with more later in August so parents who are considering cycling with their children to Scoil Caitríona and Scoil Dara in just a few weeks time may find that CycleCoffeeCake gives them the boost of confidence they want to feel able and safe cycling within their neighbourhood.
Organiser Martina Callanan says that a remarkable two thirds of participants of CycleCoffeeCake events this summer are women who are new to cycling or have hopped back on the saddle after years, or decades, of absence.
“Women are the reason we have a bike boom this summer. It’s almost impossible to buy a new or second hand bike in Galway. Mammies have rediscovered their own joy and freedom in cycling after spending time with their children on bikes during lockdown.”
“Many want to feel confident again on bikes, and CycleCoffeeCake events shows them quiet routes in their neighbourhoods as well as access to a community of people who want cycling to be a very real and safe option for everyday transport,” she continued.
Neasa Bheilbigh of the Galway CycleBus in Knocknacarra says that many parents want their children to cycle to school. “ “It’s quick and independent transport, which saves parents time, and is easy exercise for young people,“ she says. “As we prepare to go back to school, mums, parents and caregivers want safe and quiet cycle routes for their children and teenagers.
For contact tracing purposes, participants must register in advance for CycleCoffeeCake at www.galwaycycling.org The cycle will last about one hour and end at a local café for coffee, cake and chats.
More details can be found on Galway Cycling Campaign website and social media using the handle @GalwayCycling Details of the Galway CycleBus family cycle in Renmore will be announced soon.
