AS IF in support, the sun shone down on Grand Canal Square yesterday afternoon as thousands of cyclists gathered for an awareness-raising ride through Dublin.
About 2,500 cyclists took part in the six-kilometre cycle through the capital for Bike to Work Day. The turnout was twice as large as last year’s.
The leisurely lunchtime cycle, which lasted 30 minutes, was one of the main events of National Bike Week, running June 16th-24th.
In addition to regular cyclists, an assortment of costumed clowns, nuns and Santas pedalled off from the square, all competing for titles of best-dressed male and female cyclists and best group.
Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Transport Alan Kelly said the Government was seeking to get more people pedalling.
“Over 200,000 people drive to work who have a journey of four kilometres or less,” he said. “The Government has invested €7 million in cycle routes, and we are also looking at a scheme similar to Dublin Bikes in other cities in Ireland.”
The event was part of 400 others taking place across the country as part of National Bike Week. Google had the biggest group present yesterday, featuring 66 registered cyclists all recognisable by their bright-green “android” helmet covers.
Also cycling was Dublin City Council senior engineer Eoghan Madden, who said lowering speed was the key to getting more people cycling on Dublin streets. “If the speed of bikes and cars were the same, they would both be moving very well together and eradicate the element of danger.
“The council are currently developing cycle lanes on the second half of the Grand Canal and Royal Canal. In a year or two, hopefully we will have a continuous route across both canals. Safety is the main issue – segregated cycle routes would promote this,” he said.