Families, schools, and cycling enthusiasts of all ages joined forces for an action-packed Bike Week celebration in Kilkenny, taking to their bikes to enjoy a variety of thrilling activities across the county.
Festive Cycling Events
Numerous cycling events were held in various parks and open spaces across the county, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere that catered to people of all ages and skill levels.
- Ferrybank Neighbourhood Park
- Dunmore Biodiversity Park
- The Moate Field
- Callan
- Pococke Park
- Castlecomer Discovery Park
- County Hall
These parks offered a range of activities, including mountain biking, obstacle courses, and fun-filled treasure hunts, as well as relaxed community Slow Rolls and thrilling group rides through Kilkenny’s villages and greenways.
Targeted Initiatives
The Bike Week celebration was built around several targeted initiatives that aimed to promote cycling activities in local parks.
- ‘Learn to Cycle’ sessions for young children
- Obstacle courses and grass track racing
- Treasure hunts on new cycle paths in Hebron and Pococke Park
- Bike skills workshops, safety demonstrations, and fun rides for schools
Many young children participated in the ‘Learn to Cycle’ sessions, obstacle courses, and grass track racing, while young families enjoyed a treasure hunt on the new cycle paths in Hebron and Pococke Park.
Scenic Rides and Exploration
A highlight of the week was the scenic group rides through Kilkenny’s villages and greenways, where cyclists of all ages could enjoy the beautiful scenery and exercise. More experienced cyclists explored off-road trails in Castlecomer, taking in the stunning views and challenging terrain.
Entertainment and Community Engagement
The Drum and Cycle event in Kilkenny City was a highlight of the week, where a large group of cyclists of all ages visited sites around the city, accompanied by the sound of drums.
- The event featured a series of cycling-related activities, including bike maintenance, helmet fitting, and safety checks
- The sound of drums added to the excitement, creating a lively atmosphere that brought people together
Another event of note was the packed programme of school-based activities, which saw hundreds of students participate in bike skills workshops, safety demonstrations, and fun rides, encouraging a new generation to embrace cycling for health, fun, and sustainable travel.
Organisation and Support
The weeklong celebration was organised by Kilkenny County Council in partnership with local cycling groups, community organisations, schools, and Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership, with support from the Department of Transport.
“Bike Week has showed just how enjoyable and accessible cycling can be for everyone. From teaching children to ride to exploring our parks on two wheels, this week has highlighted Kilkenny’s incredible potential as a cycling-friendly county. I’d like to thank all the organisers, tutors, schools, artists, participants, and in particular the volunteers for making this year’s Bike Week the best yet.” – Mayor Andrew McGuinness
The success of the Bike Week celebration demonstrates the potential of cycling as a popular and accessible mode of transport, promoting a healthy and sustainable lifestyle for residents of Kilkenny.
