Galway’s thriving community cycling groups are hosting a plethora of events for Bike Week 2022, which begins on 14 May.
Volunteers in Galway city, Athenry, and Gort have organised events from 14 to 22 May to provide safe cycling experiences for children and their parents, as well and new, nervous or renewed adult cyclers.
Galway city
For Galway United supporters, Galway Cycling Campaign is organising ‘Bike United Bike Valet’ at the Galway United match against Athlone Town at Eamonn Deacy Park, Terryland, on Friday 20 May.
Parents involved with local soccer clubs are coordinating with the Galway (Knocknacarra), Renmore, and East of the Corrib cycle-buses to enable young fans to travel by bike across the city with the safety and comfort of ‘critical mass’.
Parents will have peace of mind to park their bikes, cargo bikes, and bike trailers as volunteers will have a space cordoned off where supporters can safely park their bikes.
There will be refreshments for the children and a special raffle for all who use the Bike Valet.
Athenry
There are two Bike Week events in Athenry on the afternoon of Saturday 14 May, organised by The Wheels of Athenry and volunteers.
CycleFest Athenry is a two-hour family-friendly event in Athenry Town Park from 1pm to 3pm with face-painting, bubbles, and lots of fun.
Youngest cyclers can safely cycle around the park on their balance bikes and trikes during the Wee Wheelers event.
An experienced mechanic will be at hand to give dusty bikes hauled out of the back of sheds a Bike to Basics health check.
This will be followed by the annual Pedal Parade from 3pm to 4pm. The start point is Market Square for a gentle cycle for all ages and abilities around the historic streets of Athenry.
This year’s theme is Super Bikes for Super Heroes. There will be prizes for best dressed bikes and riders.
Don’t have time to decorate your bike? No worries! There will be a Pimp Your Bike station so everyone can join in the fun.
Find the EventBrite registration here, and check out The Wheels of Athenry on Facebook and Twitter.
Gort
Gort Cycle Trails will host a community cycle from the Gort Railway Station to Coole Park for coffee and cake, and return, on Sunday 22 May.
This ‘mini greenway’ is 9km in length. It was a huge success last year, so numbers will be capped at 50. Register at www.gortcycletrails.com
Gort Cycle Trails will also host three two-hour sessions about Basics for Cycling for novice, nervous and returned cyclers (dates to be confirmed).
These sessions will cover cycle safety, bike balance, signalling, and other key information to help people feel confident to cycle around town.
