Minister launches bike to work week

Transport Minister Conor Murphy hosted a cycle event for MLAs in the grounds of Stormont in Belfast for Bike Week 2007.

The Minister joined fellow Assembly members who swapped four wheels for two as they rode from the Glen West (the road leading to the west door of Parliament Buildings) onto the Lower Plateau finishing on Glen East (the road leading to the east door of Parliament Buildings) marking the launch or Travelwise NI Bike2 Work Week.

Parliamentary Bike Ride events already take place annually in Westminster, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Dublin but 2007 will be the first time the north has participated.

Speaking at the event organised by the Department for Regional Development and Action Cancer, Conor Murphy said: “Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves but there are some serious messages behind the fun event. Today’s aim is to highlight the health, environmental and financial benefits of cycling, especially on the journey to and from work.

“It’s important that everyone plays their part in helping to solve the growing congestion and pollution in our towns and cities. Cycling is a natural choice for many, it’s free, it’s healthy, it reduces the number of cars on our roads which in turn cuts down on the levels of exhaust emissions.

“I am committed to improving the cycle infrastructure in the north so more people might choose to travel by bike and not car. In under ten years Roads Service has provided over 700km of infrastructure including cycle lanes and tracks. DRD will be spending over £16 million on further development of cycle routes in Belfast, Bangor, Lisburn and Carrick.”

Andy Bready, Travelwise NI Bike2Work Co-ordinator said: “It’s great to see more organisations getting involved with Bike2Work this year including: Phoenix Natural Gas, NI Fire & Rescue Service and Action Cancer who are among those participating.

“DRD engages with private and public sector employers to encourage them to promote cycling in the workplace, for example, DRD provides pool-bicycles for employees at their Belfast headquarters.

Throughout the week local authorities, public and private sector employees and cycling organisations are organising a series of cycling events across the country. Events are taking place in Belfast, Derry, Newry, Coleraine, Dungannon, Limavady, Portstewart, Newcastle and Strabane. Information on these events can be found at www.bikeweek.org.uk .

Travelwise NI are also organising a special Bike2Work Day event on Wednesday 20 June. Commuters from across the Greater Belfast Area will be meeting at 8.30am at the NCN Cycle Path by the Halifax Call Centre on the Gas Works Site, Ormeau Road, Belfast to cycle to Belfast City Hall and then on to DRD Headquarters at Clarence Court, Adelaide Street for a hearty breakfast.

To find out more information about Travelwise NI Bike2Work or to register your participation in the Bike2Work Day event please visit www.travelwiseni.com or telephone on 028 9023 3550 to get involved.

Media queries to: Emma Flynn Davies, Department for Regional Development, Press Office, 02890 540372 or Ross Williamson or Ursula Kelleher at Inform Communications on 028 9023 3550 or 07734821070 (Ross) or 07739420949 (Ursula)

NOTES TO EDITORS:

• Bike Week 2007 runs from Saturday 16th to Sun 24th June to allow for family events to be organised for the weekends
• Bike2Work as part of Bike Week is being organised under the Travelwise NI campaign to encourage commuters to swap their cars for bicycles for even one day during the week
• The Travelwise NI initiative aims to promote sustainable modes of transport.
• Action Cancer are partnering the TravelWise NI events during Bike2Work Week 2007
• The recently published Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan 2005-15 commits £16.4 million to developing further cycle routes in Belfast, Bangor, Lisburn and Carrick.

NOTES FOR BROADCAST MEDIA

Recording/filming opportunities are available all week. Roads Service representatives are available for interview. We are able to supply bicycles and cycling equipment for any journalists that may want to cycle along with any of the participants on Wednesday.