Check out these great local events for National Bike Week
By Hayden Moore
NATIONAL Bike Week pedals off locally on Sunday, with South Dublin County Council pushing how a little effort can make a big impact on a person's fitness, finance and the environment.
According to the council, cycling does not only benefit general fitness but the financial and environmental side of things too as it requires no fossil fuels or money to power a bike.
So, what are you waiting for? Get on your bike and peddle your way to some of the great events being held across the county from June 23 to 28.
Rathfarnham Castle.
On Sunday, June 23, cyclists are invited to the Flavours of South Dublin at Rathfarnham Castle, with dedicated parking spaces for bikes and the first 100 to arrive getting free meal vouchers.
Taking place from 11am to 6pm, all that participants need is a bike lock for their parking spot.
Corkagh Park.
On the same day from 11am to 12.30pm at the Cycle Track in Corkagh Park, South Dublin County Sports Partnership are running their annual Learn to Cycle event for children with a disability and their families.
Take a tour of Tymon Park to learn all about biodiversity, pollinators and climate action all while cycling your bike, on Monday from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
Tymon Park.
Meeting beside the pond at the Wellington Lane entrance to Tymon, the council’s Landscape Architect, Oliver will be holding the leisurely cycle for children and adults through the park.
On both Tuesday and Wednesday from 10.30am to 2.30pm, the Council will be hosting a walk-in Cycle Clinic at SDCC Headquarters with free bike maintenance.
Ballyroan Library.
An introduction to cycling for adults will be held at Ballyroan Library from 6.30pm to 8pm on Wednesday to give those an opportunity to get back on the saddle, learning the rules of the road and how to fix a puncture in the process.
Wednesday is also National Bike to Work/School Day, so ditch the car or bus and give the bike a go.
To culminate the week, the council are inviting everyone for their June Lunchtime Cycle where participants will leave SDCC Headquarters at 12.45pm and make their way towards Tymon Park before looping back around.
According to South Dublin County Council, cycling “ticks many of the boxes to our growing concerns on environment, finance and health”.
“It’s a form of exercise, good for the planet as it requires no fossil fuels and compared to the running costs of one or two cars it makes sound financial sense”, the council said.
“Reasons for cycling may be some or none of these and are perhaps personal, but most of us can agree with John. F. Kennedy when he said: ‘Nothing compares to the simple pleasures of a bike ride.’
“So why not use Bike Week 2019 as an opportunity to take out the bicycle and enjoy the simple pleasures of cycling in South Dublin.”
To keep up to date with how National Bike Week is getting, follow #BIKESFORCHANGE on social media platforms and visit the National Bike Week website, and South Dublin County Council Twitter account.
