Mullingar is well on its way to becoming a top quality cycle hub following the launch this week of the Mullingar Cycle Network project and the opening of three of the eight cycle routes planned for the town.
Locals can now avail of newly developed cycling facilities on the Delvin Road, Dublin Road, and Ballinderry Road.
Meanwhile work is continuing on the other five routes, Pipers Boreen to Dublin Road via the canal; Millmount Road; Ashe Road to College Street via Carey Bridge; Carey Bridge to Harbour Street via Green Road; and Harbour Street to Castle Street.
When the project is completed, a total of 20 kilometres of cycle routes will ensure cyclists can navigate the town and its surrounds in comfort and safety. Up to 60 per cent of the funding for the project has been secured from the Gateways and Hubs European Regional Development Fund (ERDF ) Grants Scheme.
Through its Active Travel Mullingar project, Westmeath County Council aims to deliver a long-term strategy for sustainable movement in Mullingar. The project is being undertaken in partnership with Westmeath Sports Partnership Ltd, the HSE, and Waterways Ireland.
Active Travel Mullingar will vastly improve the safety of all cyclists and pedestrians in Mullingar who use the cycle routes to commute to their destination. Each of the routes chosen will be provided with a safe footway and cycleway, which will be segregated from live traffic. Each of the routes will be complete with ample lighting as well as sufficient warning signs for motorists.
‘Cyclesafe’ training will be provided to fifth and sixth classes in the local schools by Westmeath Sports Partnership, and is also available to any group that wishes to avail of it. Commuters are advised as always when using these routes and any other routes to ‘be safe and be seen’ and always wear the proper protective wear and hi-visibility clothing.
