European Mobility Week 2009 takes place from September 16 to 22 and the aim of the week is to encourage people in towns and cities all over Europe to get out of their cars and move to a more sustainable means of transport. This year, for the first time, Castlebar is participating in this exciting new project and it is hoped that the people of Castlebar will participate and really get behind this. “We're encouraging people to get out of their cars, and walk or cycle to work and school for this week and into the future,” said Noel Gibbons, Road Safety Officer with Mayo County Council.
A programme of events has been organised locally as part of Mobility Week 2009, and in Castlebar the focus is on using your bike as an alternative means of transport to get from A to B, to work, school or to just get a message in the local shop. Using your bike has many well-known benefits for society: it lessens motor vehicle traffic congestion and pollution and reduces reliance on car imports and oil resources, not to mention the health benefits of burning all those extra calories getting from A to B. It makes sense, therefore, that the "Get on your bike!" message is supported by all. As part of the week, and to raise awareness, a competition is running in which people can nominate ‘the most sustainably mobile person you know in Castlebar’ by logging onto www.castlebar.ie So, start thinking, who cycles or walks to work, to college, to school, to do the shopping, to football or basketball training?
The highlight of the week is the “Get more out of life” event which will take place in the Mall, Castlebar on Monday September 21 from 12.30pm to 2pm. This will be an interesting, informative and fun event for all ages. There will be bike safety skills demonstration, bikes old and new on display, information and promotional stands, a school display in Mayo County Library, and a giant floor game for children and young people as part of the Green Schools initiative. Mayo Arts Squad will have some surprises, there will be free high visibility jackets and spot prizes galore, presentation of the ‘Most sustainably mobile person’ award 2009, and bike safety with the local gardaí.
During the week, the bike shops in town, Bike Clinic, Bike World and Halfords, will provide people with a free bike health check and Bike World will rent a bike and helmet at a discount rate for this week. So drop in and avail of these wonderful promotions from your local bike shops.
This event is being organised by Castlebar Town Council and Road Safety, Mayo County Council in conjunction with Green Schools Initiative, local primary and secondary schools, Iompar Mhaigh Eo, local bike shops, An Garda Síochána, Mayo County Library, Castlebar Chamber of Commerce, local cycling clubs, Mayo Sports Partnership, Mayo VEC – youth officer, Castlebar Order of Malta, and Health Promotion, HSE.
