WATERFORD BIKE WEEK PROGRAMME LAUNCHED!

National Bike Week 2017 will take place from Saturday 10th to Sunday 18th June, with bike related events taking place right around the country. Waterford is no different and in fact, we have a very strong tradition where Bike Week is concerned. In all there are almost 50 events taking place right across Waterford City and County over the course of the week to suit all ages and fitness levels. The programme is targeted primarily at those new or returning to cycling or those who just want to enjoy a leisurely spin with friends and family!

Bike Week, which is funded at national level by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, is about celebrating all of the benefits of cycling for both recreation and transport. Those wishing to be part of the fun should find an event in a location to suit all comers. There are Family Fun Cycles, bike check-ups, community cycles and school cycling events taking place right across Waterford, from Ardsallagh in the west to Faithlegg in the east and many towns and villages in between, as well as Waterford City itself.

As part of Bike Week all events are free. 14 of the 50 events are fully open to the public. Some of the highlights include:

Sunday 11th June: Waterford City Bike Week Breakfast Cycle, RSC, Cork Road, Waterford-7:30 a.m. Booking essential at Book Waterford City Breakfast Cycle

Sunday 11th June: Fenor Family Fun Cycle, Fenor Church Car Park-11:30 a.m.

Sunday 11th June: Faithlegg Family Fun Cycle, Park Rangers Soccer Club Grounds-2 p.m.

Wednesday 14th June: Waterford City Lunchtime Cycle, The Mall, Waterford-12:45 p.m. Booking essential at Book Lunchtime Cycle Waterford City

Wednesday 14th June: Dungarvan Lunchtime Cycle, Walton Pk, Abbeyside-12:45 p.m. Booking essential at Book Lunchtime Cycle Dungarvan

Thursday 15th June: Free bike check and basic repair clinic, TREO, Unit 2, Block 4, Lacken Rd Business Park, Waterford-10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tea/coffee while you wait!

Saturday 17th June: Off Road Mountain Biking with Dermot Blount. 1 hour of Mountain Biking taking place across 3 locations as follows:

• 12 noon: Portlaw Woods (near Portlaw Church) Book Mountain Biking Portlaw Woods
• 2:30 p.m.: Ballyscanlon –meeting point Fenor Church Car Park Book Mountain Biking Ballyscanlon
• 4:30 p.m.: Carrigavantry, Tramore-meeting point Newtown Cove Car Park Mountain Biking Carrigavantry

These 3 events are suitable for all aged 14 years and over. Mountain Bikes available on the day but booking is essential. Contact Louise Barry 0761 10 2619.

Saturday 17th June: Ardsallagh Family Fun Cycle, Ardsallagh, Youghal Br., Co. Waterford-2 p.m.

Sunday 18th June: Dungarvan Bike Week Breakfast Cycle, Walton Park, Abbeyside-7:30 a.m. Booking essential at Dungarvan Breakfast Cycle

Also look out for our ‘Back to Bike’ cycle awareness sessions being organised by Waterford Sports Partnership in conjunction with cycle trainer Dermot Blount on bike maintenance, cycling tips and road safety, taking place as follows:

• Monday 19th June: Clonea Road Car Park, Ballinroad, 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
• Tuesday 20th June: WIT West Campus Greenway Car Park, 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
• Wednesday 21st June: Workhouse Car Park, Kilmacthomas, 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

All three sessions will also include a short Greenway cycle for those new or returning to cycling.

Don't forget to wear your helmet and cycle safely during Bike Week 2017!

Look out for Bike Week updates on www.bikeweek.ie in the coming weeks. You can also contact the local bike week coordinator Johnny Brunnock, Waterford City & County Council at jbrunnock@waterfordcouncil.ie; 0761 10 2496 for more details on how to get involved.

So come on Waterford get on your bike from 10th to 18th June!

Photograph by Noel Browne Caption: 1. Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. Adam Wyse pictured with Gael Scoil na nDéise pupils,

Tadhg Ó Corcraín, Conchúr Melo, Ella Ní Chaoimh, Sineád Ní Chathaín, Lorcán Ó Murchú, Davia Nic Gearailt, Eoin de Cnoc, Leah Ó Neill, Kayla Ní Treasaigh, Caoimhe Bhreathnach, Billí Bob Ó Floinn, Adam Tebay and Ryan Ó Críodáin at the launch of Waterford Bike Week 2017 on the Waterford Greenway recently.