Ireland’s first National Bike Week – which commences on June 14 and runs until June 21, calls on the people of Westmeath to set their wheels in motion. The week should highlight cycling as a healthy and convivial travel mode and underpin the key message in the recently launched National Cycle Policy Framework, that cyclists matter.
“The organisation of Ireland’s first Bike Week is a real cross-community effort,” said Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey, as he announced the initiative. “However, if we are to see Bike Week celebrations on a truly national scale, we need to see communities around the country getting involved. I want to see cycling interests of whatever type – sports, recreational and individual users – community groups, business organisations, schools, local authorities, in a word, everyone, right around the country to take a lead from the activities of the Bike Week Group and now start to generate their own events – big or small – right around the country. Let’s show everyone that cyclists really do matter.”
In Westmeath, an organising committee has been established which includes representatives from the Westmeath Local Authorities, Westmeath Sports Partnership, The Lakeside Wheelers Cycling Club, Mullingar, Shannonside Cycling Club Athlone, Failte Ireland, and County Westmeath Tourism Limited.
Communities around the county, individuals, groups, schools, businesses etc, are welcome and encouraged to organise their own events during bike week and are asked to contact any member of the organising committee with details of additional events that may be planned.
For one week DB Cycles, Athlone is urging all bike owners to bring in their bicycles for a full free check including free repairs to get their bikes dusted down and ready for action over the coming months. Bicycles will be oiled, tuned up, cables tightened and punctures fixed. Call in anytime for some advice from Dermot or phone (090 ) 6492280.
To celebrate the first ever Bike Week in Westmeath, the following are some of the events that are being planned:
Sunday June 14 at 6pm - Mullingar Cycle Hub (canal towpath section ) - Fun Cycle - assemble at Mullingar Railway Station.
Monday June 15 at 7pm - underage fun cycle at Tudenham, Lough Ennell, Mullingar.
Wednesday June 17 – cycle safe roadshow in Castlepollard
Wednesday June 17 - all-island Bike to Work Day.
Wednesday June 17 – town centre cycle race, hosted by the Lakeside Wheelers – (race times to be confirmed later ).
Thursday June 18 – cycle safe roadshow in Kilbeggan
Win a Bike competitions will be held during National Bike Week.
