Bike Week is a celebration of all things cycling across the country. The huge benefits of cycling both physically and environmentally are all the reasons needed to get out on your bike a little more.

This year, Bike Week will take place from Saturday the 13th of May to Sunday the 21st of May with events happening all across Ireland.

The important thing to remember is that Bike Week is for everyone, even those who don’t use their bike much, have never ridden a bike or just want to cycle that little bit more, and there’s loads of ways you can get involved.

How to get involved

Bike Week has it all, it’s positive on your health and the environment, it’s quick and convenient and it’s also friendly on your pocket as well. What’s not to like?

Getting involved is as easy as taking to any of Ireland’s greenways and parks to soak in the joy and excitement that comes with cycling.

There’s also hundreds of free events taking place across the country including Family Fun Festivals and Bike Fests, where you can take part in fun activities and lots of slow paced and short cycles making them the perfect way to enjoy cycling with your family, especially kids.

But it doesn’t stop there, as Bike Week will also provide a number of organised group cycles which cater for all types of cyclists. These fun and inclusive groups are a lovely way to get on your bike and leisurely cycle through a local park or explore Ireland’s beautiful greenways.

If you want to experience some history on your cycle, heritage cycles and bike tours will be taking place in cities and towns across the country, and will be a wonderful source of history and culture for those who fancy a little bit of knowledge to go with their cycle.

Bike-to-Work Day is taking place on Wednesday, 17th May and is a great excuse to cycle to work. Encourage your employers to help organise some fun bike activities or a bike maintenance workshop at your place of work.

Cycle on Wednesday or COW day is the designated day each week when schools across the country encourage children to cycle to school and ties in nicely with Bike-to-Work Day. There will be lots of schools taking part on Wednesday 17th so keep an eye out for all the happy kids cycling to school. By cycling to school, students can learn to appreciate cleaner air, healthier physical activities and a sense of community.

Think of the benefits

Cycling is an excellent form of exercise that offers numerous benefits to people of all ages and fitness levels. As a low impact exercise, it puts minimal stress on joints and is an excellent aerobic exercise which helps to improve cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of heart disease and lower blood pressure.

It can also help to improve lung health by increasing lung capacity which in turn reduces the risk of respiratory diseases. Cycling can also strengthen your muscles, particularly in your legs and gluteus and can improve your balance and coordination.

Getting outdoors, surrounded by nature and fresh air is good for your mental health too and cycling can help to reduce stress levels and promote healthy habits.

Bikes are generally low maintenance and require very little upkeep. Most bikes are highly durable, and with proper care and maintenance, they can last for years to come.

Events near you

So want to get involved? Start by checking out some of the Bike Week events happening in your county during Bike Week at www.bikeweek.ie.

Events are often family-friendly, with activities such as bike parades, games, and picnics and a perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones and create unforgettable memories.

Bike Week is an excellent opportunity to celebrate cycling and promote a healthier lifestyle. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a beginner, Bike Week events offer something for everyone. Join in the fun, meet new friends, explore new places, and feel the joy of cycling. Let’s celebrate cycling during Bike Week!

To find out what is happening in your County for Bike Week 2023, visit www.bikeweek.ie.

National Bike Week is funded by the Department of Transport, coordinated through TFI and brought to you by your Local Authorities, Local Sports Partnerships, Community groups and Green-Schools.