Bike to Work this Friday

Transport Minister Conor Murphy welcomed the launch of Bike to Work Day today (Friday 18 June 2010) when thousands of commuters will leave their cars at home and cycle to work across the north.

The initiative has been organised by Travelwise NI as part of its ‘Two Wheels:Two Weeks’ programme of cycling events running from 13- 27 June. The programme aims to encourage as many people as possible to enjoy the environmental, financial and health benefits associated with cycling – by cycling to work, to school, or simply for fun.

‘Bike to Work Day’ will begin on Friday morning with the coming together of cyclists from both public and private sector organisations at 8.30am at the Gasworks site, Ormeau Road. BBC presenter and keen cyclist Alan Simpson will lead the group of cyclists as they travel together to the Belfast City Hall to be met by the Lord Mayor Pat Convery. A bikers’ breakfast will be provided, courtesy of Denny, from 7.30am until 10.00am and cyclists can also avail of free cycling parking at the City Hall.

Transport Minister Conor Murphy commented on the programme of events: "There is a very varied and exciting line up of events for this year's ‘Bike to Work Day’, and we are hopeful that more people than ever will choose to travel to work by bike this year. These initiatives are designed to highlight the many benefits associated with cycling – it is quick, cheap, and convenient – and it helps people to stay fit and healthy. We hope these events will encourage people who perhaps have not cycled in a while to give it a go. In many cases it may be quicker for people to travel to work than by car, and by choosing to cycle they are making an important contribution to improving our environment.

“Whilst these events are a bit of fun and should be enjoyed by everyone, our primary focus is on developing long term sustainable travel habits. My Department seeks to make it easier to cycle by providing cycle lanes and other infrastructure improvements which help cyclists of all ages and abilities to navigate the roads. There are now over 1300km of National Cycle Network paths throughout the north with £8.5million invested in the last ten years in the provision of cycling facilities."

Mayor of Belfast, Pat Convery said: "This is a very important event highlighting the importance of cycling as a sustainable means of transport and encourages more people to leave the car at home. Belfast City Council welcomes the great programme of events during Two Wheels:Two Weeks. Belfast City Council is will be hosting the first major professional cycling event on Friday evening - the Halford Tour Series Belfast, which is also supported by Travelwise."

Andy Bready, Travelwise NI Bike Coordinator said: "Friday will be a great day for cycling in Belfast, and we are confident that cycling enthusiasts will come out in force to make it a day to remember. We would also encourage as many people as possible to come along on Friday evening to see the professional race event and the Commuter Challenge Relay. The number of people cycling to work has increased greatly over the last ten years however we still have a long way to go to catch up with our European counterparts in terms of sustainable transport. Cycling really is for everyone – and we would encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of their local cycle paths and give their wheels a whirl!”

Throughout the two weeks, local councils and other organisations across the country have organised their own cycling events. For a full calendar of Two Wheels:Two Weeks events visit Travelwiseni website . Further information about the Halford Tour Series Event can be found at the Belfast City Council website

Notes to editors:

1. Travelwise NI is a DRD Initiative to encourage the use of sustainable transport options such as walking, cycling, public transport or car sharing
2. Cyclists will gather at the Halifax Call Centre, Gasworks, Ormeau Road at 8.30 am to cycle to the City Hall.
3. All media queries should be directed to the DRD Press Office on 02890 540817. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.