Bike Week’s colourful finale this weekend

Ministers Noel Dempsey and Ciaran Cuffe remind everyone that Bike Week 2010 reaches its finale this weekend with lots of events throughout the country which celebrate the bike as the healthiest, quickest, cheapest, most environmentally-friendly and fun way to get around.

"Bike Week has been a great success this year," said Minister Dempsey, "with some 360 events around the island over the course of the week. This success is not only a testament to everyone who has assisted with the organisation of the events but it emphasises that the bike is coming of age as a real travel option."

Minister for Sustainable Transport Ciarán Cuffe said; "Having been at many of the Bike Week events, I been impressed by not only by the enthusiasm of everyone who attended but the real sense of fun that was generated.

Cycling is a great way to get out and about in your neighbourhood, keep fit and do your bit to tackle climate change"

Weekend events are happening throughout the country and a full listing is available to view on www.bikeweek.ie. Here are some of the major highlights.

Dublin

Saturday: Cycling takes over a portion of Temple Bar for the afternoon in preparation for the Halfords on-road cycle race that commences at 6pm. There'll be lots of things to do and things to see with warm-up events commencing on 2.30pm.

Sunday: Pedal in the Park from 11am in the Phoenix Park with BMX stunts, Bicycle Polo, face-painting, drumming workshops, guided bicycle tours, food, drink and all thing bike-related. The grand finale commences at 3pm as people gather for a colourful and leisurely 6 kilometre mass cycle in the Park. Wear your county colours and show that cycling is a 32 county thing.

Clare

Saturday: An Post's Tour de Burren brings top class cycling to Ballyvaughan in Clare and lots of other fun things to do, including a family cycle.

Westmeath

Sunday: At 4pm, Mullingar welcomes Cycling Ireland's riders who have visited the 32 counties over the course of the week having completed the Raleigh around Ireland. Lots of events are arranged for the full afternoon.

Galway

Sunday: A guided heritage tour of the city from Centra Foodstore, Bóthar na Choiste, Headford Road, Galway at 11am.

Limerick

Sunday: Limerick City's bicycle parade gets underway a 1pm from St John's Castle.

Meath

Sunday: 20km Novelty Family cycle from Cormeen around the Loughanlae picnic area. Fathers Day slow bicycle race Bike skills demonstration starts at 3pm.

Cork

Sunday: On-road charity Family Cycle at 2pm from Colaiste Choilm, Ballincollig to Fitzgerald's Park followed by fun and games in the park. Registration costs €2.

Offaly

Saturday: Offaly Family Fun Cycle and barbeque. A family fun cycle will take place on Saturday 19 June at 10.30am in Tullamore Town Park.

Further information:

Department of Transport Press Office : (01) 604 1090 / (01) 604 1091.