Get on your bike for this year’s Galway Bike Fest

BY CIARAN TIERNEY

The aim of the Galway Bike Festival, which features over 30 events in the city throughout this week, is to encourage more people to get on their bikes at a time when less than 5% of the city’s commuters cycle to work or school each day.

Employers are being urged to encourage people to cycle rather than take the car, particularly those who live a short distance from their place of work through initiatives such as the ’10 Minute Cycle Challenge’ and the ‘Cycle to Work Day’ on Friday.

“Increased cycling in the City reduces traffic congestion and produces numerous positive spin offs in the realms of health, environment and youth development,” said Joe Tansey of the Galway Transportation Unit, who put the packed programme of events together.

“It is clear that cycling across all age groups is increasing in Galway City, a trend that Galway Transportation Unit seeks to accelerate through a range of measures. The Galway Bike Festival programme provides numerous opportunities for everyone regardless of age to experience first hand the benefits of cycling.”

The 2011 Census showed that just 4.9% of city commuters cycle to work, college, or school each day, a statistic which seems to be remarkably low considering how relatively compact the city is and the short distances many have to travel each day.

On Friday, Jigsaw Galway – a free and confidential support service in the 15 to 25 years age bracket – is encouraging people all over the city to join ‘Work the Bike’ and cycle to work as part of a large group on the longest day of the year. 

Cyclists will depart from Jigsaw Galway at the Fairgreen at 7am and travel together in a loop around the city, stopping at the major employment hubs such as multinational companies and the city’s third level colleges. As the group passes each area, cyclists will leave to go to their place of work.

“Galway Bike Festival reminds us all of the benefits of cycling and Jigsaw Galway is thrilled to be part of that,” said John Fitzmaurice of Jigsaw Galway . “Cycling to work is a great way to energise yourself for the day.”

Events organised for the festival include a free guided mountain biking trail in Moycullen tomorrow (Wednesday), a film night with a cycling theme tomorrow night, and a Seven Castles Heritage Cycle on Sunday.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.