Cork freewheeling through more than 300 events in Bike Week 2024

Cyclists can take part in some 300 cycling events will take place in Cork until Sunday

(Left to right) Joseph Daughen, Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority and Chloe Meehan help launch Bike Week 2024 in Co Cork. 

The people of Cork are being urged to dust off their bikes and put pedal to the metal during Bike Week 2024. The county will have seen more than 300 events take place by the time it finishes on Sunday. 

Organised by the National Transport Authority (NTA), the annual event celebrates the many benefits of cycling by hosting heritage cycles, maintenance workshops and learn-to-cycle events.

Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Kieran McCarthy, hopes the initiative can influence future generations to take up cycling in their locality.

“With the way the city is going, we can’t just rely on car dependency for the next 10 to 15 years.

“I know in my own area of Beaumont, they have been very successful in getting the kids into cycling through the park going to school,” he added.

NTA chief, Anne Graham, emphasised the importance of the week saying it is a "fantastic opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to come together and promote cycling".  

Mr McCarthy says getting schools involved in cycling is important.

“Something changed in Irish society over the last 20 years where I remember going to school in the 1990s and the bike shed at Coláiste Chríost Rí was completely and utterly full. If you weren’t there by 15 minutes to the bell you didn’t have a spot, and then something happened along the way,” he added.

(Left to right) Alice Coughlan, Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority and Chloe Meehan at the launch of Bike Week 2024.

Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said Bike Week 2024 presents “a fun opportunity for Irish communities to embrace sustainable and healthy modes of travel”.

“Encouraging cycling as a sustainable form of transport is not only important in helping to combat climate change, but also helps to free up our roads and reduce traffic congestion, making our cities and towns quieter, safer, and less polluted for everyone.” 

All 31 local authorities are participating in Bike Week, with events organised in collaboration with local sports partnerships.

To find out what events are taking place in Cork City and county during Bike Week 2024, visit bikeweek.ie.