MLA Cycle Race is the starter for two weeks of bike events

Transport Minister Conor Murphy today will host a cycle race for MLAs in the grounds of Stormont in Belfast to launch two weeks of bike events, as part of  “2 Wheels: 2 Weeks.”

The Minister will join fellow Assembly members who will swap four wheels for two as they race through the grounds of Stormont, marking the first event of many across the north.

Minister Murphy said: “Behind today’s fun event there are some serious messages. The aim is to highlight the health, environmental and financial benefits of cycling and most importantly the positive impact that can be made in improving physical fitness, while reducing levels of congestion and harmful emissions."

The Minister reminded the public this year that the Travelwise initiative runs for two weeks between 13-27 June 2010 under the banner of “2 Wheels: 2 Weeks”.  An extensive programme of events is scheduled and already the indications are that participant numbers will be up on last year.

"I welcome the varied programme of events over the next two weeks which cater for all abilities from beginner to expert.  This year we have Bike to School Day, Bike to Work Day and the Maracycle along with many other family fun cycling events.

“High performance cyclists from across these islands and Europe will also be joining in the Belfast Grand Prix Cycle event on the 18 June. I will be taking part in a few of the cycling events and urge others to give it a go and join in. Events are being promoted on an all-island basis for the first time this year and most towns are hosting local cycle events.

“Cycling is a natural choice for many, it’s free, it’s healthy and it reduces the number of cars on our roads. It is encouraging to see that the number of cyclists across the north has increased by 57 per cent from 2000-2008."

Speaking at the first event for 2 Wheels:2 Weeks,  the Minister also announced that  the tax friendly Cycle to Work Scheme will be available to all civil servants in the north from September.   “This scheme will be available to all NICS employees and is a real incentive to encourage staff across all Departments to get a bike, leave the car at home and cycle to work at least some of the time."

Andy Bready, from Travelwise outlined other events happening for 2 Wheels:2 Weeks. "Throughout the week local authorities, public and private sector employees and cycling organisations are organising a series of exciting cycling events across the north. Information on these events can be found at www.travelwiseni.com

"As part of Bike to Work Day on 18 June, Travelwise is offering a complimentary breakfast and a free secure cycle park in the grounds of City Hall for all those commuters who travel to work in Belfast by bike.

"The centrepiece of the two weeks of activity is the ‘Halfords Tour Series Belfast’, supported by Belfast City Council and Travelwise, which will bring fast paced, competitive cycling into the heart of the city on Friday 18 June. On that evening, commuter relay teams from ten leading Belfast-based organisations will also take to the racing track in the 2 Wheels:2 Weeks Commuter Relay Challenge.

"The second week also boasts a fully-packed programme of events including Family Cycles, a Cycle Chic Fashion Show and will finish up with the much anticipated Co-operation Ireland Maracycle between Belfast and Dublin on 26 and 27 June."

For further information about 2 Wheels:2 Weeks please call Travelwise on 0845 378 0908 or visit the Travelwise website

Notes to editors:

1. MEDIA OPPORTUNITY/PHOTOCALL: The MLA’s Race is scheduled for at 9:30am at Parliament Buildings. The race itself should then be completed by 10:15am with the DRD Minister, MLAs and members of the Travelwise NI team available for interview.
2. Recording/filming opportunities are available throughout the two weeks.
3. This is an annual event which has been promoted by Travelwise since 1998 and has been hosted each year since to raise public awareness of the benefits of cycling within the public, private and voluntary sectors.
4. Events this year incorporate Ireland’s National Bike Week (13-20 June) and Team GB Bike Week (19-27 June).
5. The Cycle to Work Scheme aims to promote the sustainable travel agenda, support healthier journeys to work, and to reduce environmental pollution, government introduced an annual tax exemption some years ago, which allows employers to loan cycles and cyclists’ safety equipment to employees as tax free benefits. For more information go to the Department for Transport website
6. All media queries to:  Department for Regional Development Press Office, Tel 028 90 540004.  Out of office hours please contact the Deputy Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.