Pedal Power could be felt all over Dublin and its environs this morning as thousands of cyclists took part in the third annual Great Dublin Bike Ride. Cllr. Janice Boylan was on hand in Smithfield, to officially start the biggest cycling event of its kind to take place in Dublin. The Great Dublin Bike Ride is an initiative from Sport Ireland who work in partnership with Dublin City Council, Healthy Ireland, Fingal County Council and Cycling Ireland.
The event has seen a 50% increase in participation since it began in 2013, reflecting the rise in popularity of cycling. Some 2,400 cyclists took part in the 60km, an increase of 5.5% since last year and some 3,700 took on the 100km challenge, an increase of 30%. The event also saw a 5.2% increase in the number of female cyclist taking part.
This inclusive and non-timed cycling event saw cyclists of all abilities take part with all 32 counties in Ireland represented on the day with participants ranging from 16-85 years old. One of the big attractions of the event is the full road closures around Smithfield and along the North Quays, allowing participants enjoy some of Dublin city’s most historic landmarks.
The Great Dublin Bike Ride was a flagship event in Ireland for the European Week of Sport (23 - 30 September) and encourages everyone to #BeActive.
The Gardaí, LUAS, Dublin Bus and Civil Defence worked hard with the various city and county councils to ensure the safety and enjoyment of participants. Along the routes, 335 course marshals, over 150 Gardai, including 30 Gardai from the mountain bike unit were on hand to assist participants.
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin, TD, said: “The Great Dublin Bike Ride saw up to 6,000 people take to the streets of Dublin. This was a fantastic opportunity for people to participate in a unique event based on physical activity and community engagement. I would like to thank all of the cyclists and volunteers who participated today; this is the biggest event of its kind to happen in Dublin.”
Minister of State at the Department of Health, Catherine Byrne, said: "Whether you are a complete novice, experienced or commuter cyclist, it is never too late to take on a new challenge, like the Great Dublin Bike Ride. Healthy Ireland are delighted to be part of such an exciting and rewarding event, not just to raise awareness of the benefits of cycling in general but to demonstrate to novice and commuter cyclists alike just how accessible cycling can be."
Sport Ireland is the national coordinator for the European Week of Sport and Chief Executive, John Treacy said, “Sport Ireland is delighted to be supporting the Great Dublin Bike Ride for a third year. Having sold out this year’s event we can firmly see the appetite for cycling is growing in the right direction. We want to continue to encourage novice cyclists to take part and I am delighted to be taking part in the biggest Great Dublin Bike to date.”
Cllr. Mary McCamley, Mayor of Fingal, said: “It is fantastic to see an event like the Great Dublin Bike Ride go from strength to strength. 2017 has seen a record numbers of participants, increased engagement in communities and the further promotion of cycling – all meaningful outputs of an event that Fingal County Council is delighted to be part of.”