Bike Week 2017 final events this weekend
June 16th, 2017
Bike Week which runs from June 10 – 18 – is a celebration and promotion of all that’s great about bikes and cycling. There are bike-themed events organised by local authorities, community groups and cycling groups across the country. As the week winds down, David Hayden looks at some interesting statistics and biking events happening this weekend.
According to the Irish Census for 2016, cycling to work has shown the largest percentage increase of all means of transport. Between 2011 and 2016, the number of cyclists commuters increased from 39,803 to 56,837. This growth represents 42.8% increase over just five years.
Irish greenhouse gas emissions are rising again, with transportation being a major contributor. The number of people driving to work has increased dramatically. According to a report by the Central Statistics Office, “The number of people driving to work increased by 85,150 to 1,152,631 and was the largest increase of all categories”.
Cyclist.ie chairperson, Colm Ryder, states that: “In 2016, 52.3% of morning rush-hour journeys by car took 30 minutes or less so why are many of these trips not being done by bike?”.
The first bicycle made its appearance on the streets of Mannheim, Germany 200 years ago this week. The Draisine bicycle was invented by Baron Von Drais and its evolution has led to modern forms of the bike. The bike was invented in response to massive fodder shortage for horses across Europe as a result of crop failure. This failure was brought about by temporary climate-change induced by volcanic ash clouds emanating from the eruption of Mount Tambora in the Dutch East Indies.
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Today, the bicycle is still one of the most important solutions to climate change, however, the cause is the motorised vehicle. Air quality is significantly reduced by cars in urban areas. If Ireland wants to meet it’s emissions targets, getting on your bike is one of the best ways to help.
So this coming weekend in Dublin, get out and about on your bike!
Bike to the Beach at Dollymount: Saturday 17 June celebrates the recent opening of the northern off-road safe segregated link of the Clontarf section of the Sutton to Sandycove greenway.
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Midsummer Liffey Cycle from the Phoenix Park along the North Quays to the Convention Centre. The event will be marshalled by Garda and Dublin Cycling Campaign marshals. Sunday 18 June, supports the proposal to build a segregated 2-way along the full length of the North Liffey Quays. Support what will become a major iconic cycle route and a statement for Dublin City.
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Cargo-Bike Championships in the Phoenix Park on Sunday, 18 June. Celebrate the growing use of bicycles for transport of goods and people.
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For more information please visit bikeweek.ie
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