Dublin City in Top Gear for National Bike Week - City Hosts Guinness Book of World Record Attempt on 14 June
Dublin Family Fun Day, which takes place in the Phoenix Park on Sunday 14th June, offers Dubliners the chance to enjoy cycling, break a world record and enter the Guinness Book of Records. Dublin Family Fun day is a joint initiative of Dublin City Council, the Office of Public Works and the Department of Transport and is part of National Bike Week (14th – 21st June). The event is free and open to all and takes place near the Papal Cross from 11am to 4pm.
One of the day’s main attractions will be a family fun cycle through Phoenix Park on closed roads. The cycle is in association with the children’s charity Barnardos. Participants in the cycle, and every other cyclist who will be in the Park that day, will attempt to set a new world record for the world’s longest chain of bicycles. This currently stands at 2,284.
Dublin city’s Lord Mayor Eibhlin Byrne says “We are hugely fortunate to have such a wonderful amenity as the Phoenix Park on our doorsteps here in Dublin city. Let’s make Dublin Family Fun Day an event to remember. Why not bring a picnic and use the day to learn more about cycling and cycle safety. When it’s time to go home don’t forget to take everything with you – let’s help keep Dublin green and clean.”
Noel Dempsey TD, Minister for Transport, urged everyone to get to the Park on Sunday “It really doesn’t matter whether you come on a hybrid commuter bike, a BMX, a kiddies bike, a racer, a high nelly or even a penny farthing,” he said. “Get there and demonstrate Ireland’s determination to get back on our bikes in a serious way – for better public health, for a better environment, for a better quality of life for us all”.
Ciarán Fallon is Dublin City Council’s Cycling Officer. It’s his job to encourage more people to cycle, and to cycle safely. According to Ciarán, “After years of decline, cycling numbers are on the rise again in Dublin. This 14th is a fun day to celebrate cycling for all ages and abilities in the beautiful surroundings of the Phoenix Park. Cycling is great for the city. It does not pollute or make noise, it reduces congestion on the roads and it’s healthy and cheap. And that point will be emphasised by the City Centre Cycle on the 17th!”
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Notes to editor
Other events on the day include BMX displays, bike polo, bike doctor clinics, music, entertainment, street theatre and face painting.
You can register for the 10km cycle and the world’s longest bicycle chain on-line at www.bikeweek.ie
Participants can get fund raising packs for the charity cycle at www.barnardos.ie
Dublin City Cycle
You can celebrate Bike to Work Day with the Dublin City Cycle on Wednesday 17th June. The leisurely cycle allows participants to enjoy the Georgian city in a car-free environment. Participants assemble at Merrion Square South at 6pm. The route passes St. Stephen’s Green and Trinity College before crossing O’Connell Bridge and travelling up O’Connell St. Participants then travel around Parnell Square before travelling in the opposite direction and finishing back at Merrion Square.
The route will be marshalled but participants should be comfortable cycling on roads. Dublin City Cycle is not suitable for under-12s and there are 4,000 places.
Dublin City Cycle is a joint initiative of Dublin City Council, Dublin Transport Office, and the Department of Transport. It celebrates Bike to Work Day and is part of National Bike Week.
To register www.bikeweek.ie