The Minister was joined by Assembly members who got on their bikes to show their support for the initiative to encourage more people to get out of their cars and into the saddle.
Launching the initiative, the Minister said: "This event is a fun way to highlight the benefits of cycling for our health and the environment, especially on the journey to and from work and I am pleased that my Assembly colleagues have shown their support for this initiative. However, there is also a serious message, as cycling can help reduce travel costs at a time when many people are finding things difficult financially.
"Cycling to work even once or twice a week can lead to considerable savings on fuel and parking costs, helping to free up cash for other household needs. Choosing the bike over the car will also improve fitness levels and this in turn can help reduce stress.
"It is 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 is cheap, healthy, and reduces the number of cars on our roads which, in turn, cuts down on the levels of exhaust emissions polluting the atmosphere.
"We have become reliant on our cars, but cycling provides a cost-effective mode of transport that enables us to improve our fitness levels and start the day on a positive footing,” said Mr. Murphy.
Supporting the Travelwise NI event, local Olympic Silver Medalist Wendy Houvenaghel said: “I am delighted to be taking in part in Bike Week this year. Cycling can play a major part in saving people money whilst increasing physical activity and reducing stress. It is a fun way to keep fit and I would recommend it as an enjoyable way to make the journey into work. I strongly encourage employers to promote this initiative to all their staff and to implement procedures to ensure facilities are there for commuters taking up this alternative to the car.”
Andy Bready, Travelwise NI Bike Week Co-ordinator said: "Every year we see great support for this initiative across Northern Ireland with organisations such as GEM, NI Fire & Rescue Service and the Belfast Trust taking part. With each passing year, the benefits of cycling to work become more and more relevant in our everyday lives, and with the recession meaning many of us are feeling the pinch, this initiative provides us with a positive and sustainable alternative to the car that can help reduce travel costs.”
"The Travelwise team works with a wide range of private and public sector employers to encourage the promotion of cycling in the workplace. For example, the DRD provides a pool-bike system at its Clarence Court Headquarters which has been a tremendous success and demand for this service has increased significantly over the last 12 months,” said Mr. Bready.
Travelwise NI is also organising a special Bike2Work Day event on Wednesday 17 June. Commuters from across the Greater Belfast Area will be meeting at 8.45am 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 the Travelwise website or telephone on 028 9023 3550.
Notes to Editors:
- Media queries to: Ross Williamson or David Lawlor at Inform Communications on 028 9023 3550 or 07734 821070 (Ross) or 07925 008854 (David) or Emma Flynn Davies, Department for Regional Development, Press Office, 028 9054 0372.
- Travelwise Bike Week 2009 runs from Saturday 13 to Saturday 21 June to allow for family events to be organised for the weekends. Bike Week also takes place across the UK and in the south of Ireland.
- 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.
- Launch of Bike Week 2009: Preparations for the MLA Race will get underway at 9.30am with the MLAs warming up before the race begins at 10.00am on Glen West 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 throughout.
- 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 Bike to Work Day on Wednesday 17 June.
