Public challenged to give the wheels a whirl

People across the north are dusting down their bikes and getting ready for two wheels of cycling activity from 13-27 June.

The ‘Two Wheels:Two Weeks’ programme developed and promoted by Travelwise NI, was launched today and is designed to encourage as many people as possible to get on their bikes to enjoy the numerous health, financial and environmental benefits associated with cycling.

Many councils and other organisations have also organised their own local events, and are geared up to give their ‘wheels a whirl’ this year. The whole programme reinforces the message that cycling is for everyone, and can easily be part of everyday life, whether that is through cycling to work, to the shops, to school, or simply for fun.

The line up over the first week includes an MLA cycle race at Stormont on Monday 14 June, ‘Bike to School’ Day on Wednesday 16 June and ‘Bike to Work’ Day on Friday 18 June. “Bike to Work’ Day encourages as many people as possible to use their bikes to travel to work. As part of this day, 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 NI, which will bring fast paced, competitive cycling into the heart of the city on Friday 18 June. On this evening, commuter relay teams from ten leading Belfast-based organisations will also take to the racing track in the ‘Two Wheels:Two Weeks’ Commuter Relay Challenge as the culmination of ‘Bike to Work’ Day. The second week also boasts a fully-packed programme of events, and will finish up with the much anticipated Co-operation Ireland Maracycle between Belfast and Dublin on 26 and 27 June.

Highlighting the varied programme, Andy Bready of Travelwise NI said: "Two Wheels:Two Weeks is just around the corner and we are very impressed with the programme of events that has been organised across the country. The programme offers something for everyone and promotes the fact that cycling has never been easier and offers a serious alternative to the car, particularly for the regular commuter or school journeys.

"While a major thrust of the programme is to highlight the benefits of cycling generally, there will also be a healthy sense of competition and fun during the two weeks of cycling activity. The MLA race will see lots of MLAs don their cycle hats for the annual fun event at Parliament Buildings at Stormont.

"It is clear that people are really getting on board with this initiative and we are hopeful that we’ll see record numbers getting on their bikes this year. Cycling has so many obvious benefits, it is quick, convenient and free, plus it helps people to keep fit and healthy while cutting down the number of car journeys on our roads. Cycling really is for everyone and we would encourage those who have never cycled or haven’t done so in a while to give it a go!”

Travelwise NI is a Department for Regional Development initiative which promotes sustainable modes of transport such as walking, cycling, public transport or car sharing, and has been running bike week initiatives for ten years. To find out more about cycling events in your area or to register an event log on to the Travelwise website

Notes to editors:

1. Photographs are available from the DRD Press Office.
2. For more information on cycling events taking place around the north please see Travelwise website
3. All media queries should be directed to the DRD Press on 028 9054 0817. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.