Bike Week gets underway again next week, encouraging all and sundry to leave the car behind and get out and experience the benefits of cycling.

National Bike Week, a week long event held every June, is an initiative to get more people out cycling, whether new to the activity, or seasoned pros. It is a celebration of all that’s great about the sport, whilst also attempting to make it accessible to every age and ability.

This year’s Bike Week runs from Saturday 14th, to Sunday, 22nd June, and there are myriad themed events centred around the humble bicycle, organised by local authorities, community groups and cycling groups throughout the country. From free bike checks, fun cycles, lunchtime city rides, heritage cycles, electric bike races, school cycling events, bike festivals, road races and much more.

Dublin Bikes station on Townsend Street

Cycling has certainly taken off around the country, and possibly no moreso than in Dublin in recent times. One very positive factor that has contributed to the popularity of this activity was the introduction of the Dublin Bikes scheme, which continues to expand on a regular basis.

But we also recently experienced the excitement of the Giro d’Italia when it arrived in the city centre last month, proving that the general public has really taken cycling to its heart, but is also very knowledgeable about the sport. And of course, trends like the fixie also help the cause, bringing the joys of cycling to some who may have shunned it before.

National Bike Week 2014 in Ireland

Look out for the annual Dublin City Council Lunchtime Cycle, which takes place in Grand Canal Square in the Docklands at 12.45pm on Wednesday, 18th June. The leisurely 5km lunchtime cycle takes about half an hour to complete and passes some of Dublin’s most popular landmarks. This is a free event and goodie bags are available to the first 500 who register online. Everyone who registers will also be entered into a draw to win an iPad mini.

And if this seems a bit too safe for you, why not dare to bare and take part in the World Naked Bike Ride, a global event planned for Saturday, 14th June, coinciding nicely with the start of Bike Week.

So, where will your bike take you this week?

Get on your bike and ride for Bike Week 2014

Lead image © Diogo Tavares; DublinBikes photo © DUBLIN BUZZ

 

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