Power up your pedals for bike week

Transport Minister Danny Kennedy is calling on the Northern Ireland public to power up their pedals for Bike Week which this year runs from June 15 to 23.

Bike Week aims to highlight the numerous health, financial and environmental benefits associated with cycling and is celebrated as part of National Bike Week which takes place across the UK and Ireland.

Already 15 councils across Northern Ireland have signed up to the initiative, promoted by DRD Travelwise NI, with a range of cycling events organised throughout June including family cycle rides, taster sessions and ‘Dr Bike’ clinics.

The Bike Week calendar includes a line-up of familiar fixtures such as the MLA Bike Ride on Monday, June 17 at Stormont, Bike to School Day on Wednesday, June 19 and Bike to Work Day on Friday, June 22. This year will also see a major cycling conference being held in Londonderry and Belfast on Wednesday 19 June to discuss the future of cycling in Northern Ireland.

The Minister welcomed the wide range of events planned for Bike Week, saying: “There is an opportunity for everyone to get involved in Bike Week, with events suitable for beginners right through to the more accomplished cyclist. The initiative is designed to highlight the benefits of cycling and encourage the public to incorporate more sustainable modes of transport into their daily lives whether it’s cycling to work, school, or for leisure.

“Not only is cycling good for you, good for the environment and even good for the bank balance it’s quick, easy and most of all it’s fun. I would like to commend all the external organisations involved in arranging events from community groups and schools to businesses and councils which will help make Bike Week bigger and better than ever, and I would encourage everyone to get involved to experience firsthand the benefits of cycling.

“For the last number of years, there has been an MLA cycle at Stormont to launch Bike Week. I would also urge as many MLAs across all the parties to come together and join in the fun event to show their support for Bike Week. We will provide the bicycles for all those keen to take part. Those not taking part are certainly welcome to come out and support the other Members taking part.”

Over 20 organisations in Northern Ireland will be involved in the second year of the ‘Ten Minute Cycle Challenge’, run jointly by Travelwise NI and the Republic of Ireland’s Smarter Travel Workplaces. The challenge will see around 150 teams from over 60 organisations across NI and ROI logging all cycling trips made from June 5 - 25.

Travelwise NI is also sponsoring Cooperation Ireland’s Maracycle event which will see hundreds of cyclists travel from Belfast to Dublin and back again on June 29-30.

To find out about events in your area log onto www.nidirect.gov.uk/bikeweek2013 or facebook.com/Travelwiseni ; to let us know about other cycling events contact Andy Bready or Michael Lindsay at Travelwise NI on 0845 3780908.