Castlebar - County Mayo - European Mobility Week 2009

European Mobility Week 2009 takes place from 16 - 22 September and the aim of the Week is to encourage people in towns and cities all over Europe to get out of their cars and move to a more sustainable means of transport. This year, for the first time, Castlebar is participating in this exciting new project and we hope that the people of Castlebar will participate and really get behind this. We're encouraging people to get out of their cars, and walk/cycle to work and school for this week and into the future.

A programme of events has been organised locally as part of this Mobility Week 2009, and in Castlebar, the focus is on using your bike as an alternative means of transport to get from A to B, to work, school or to just get a message in the local shop.

Using your bike, has many well-known benefits for society: lessens motor vehicle traffic congestion and pollution; reduces reliance on car imports and oil resources; not to mention the health benefits of burning all those extra calories getting from A to B. It makes sense, therefore, that the "Get on your bike!" message is supported by all. As part of the week, and to raise awareness, a competition where people can nominate 'the most sustainably mobile person you know in Castlebar' by logging onto www.castlebar.ie. So, start thinking, who cycles to or walks to work, to college, to school, to do the shopping, to football or basketball training, etc.,

The highlight of the week is the 'Get more out of life' Event which will take place in the Mall, Castlebar on Monday 21st September from 12:30 pm - 2 pm. This will be an interesting, informative and fun event for all ages. There will be:

Bike Safety Skills Demonstration
Bikes old and new on display
Information and Promotional Stands
School display in Mayo County Library
Giant Floor Game for children and young people as part of the Green Schools initiative
Mayo Arts Squad will have some surprises for us all
Free Hi Vis Jackets and spotprizes galore
Presentation of the 'Most sustainably mobile person' Award 2009
Bike Safety- Gardaí

During the week, the bike shops in town, Bike Clinic, Bike World and Halfords will provide people with a 'Free bike Health Check' and Bike World will rent a bike and helmet at a discount rate for this week. So drop in and avail of these wonderful promotions from your local bike shops.

This event is being organised by Castlebar Town Council and Road Safety, Mayo County Council in conjunction with Green Schools Initiative, local primary and secondary schools, Iompar Mhaigh Eo, local Bike Shops, An Gárda Síochána, Mayo County Library, Castlebar Chamber of Commerce, local cycling clubs, Mayo Sports Partnership, Mayo VEC – Youth officer, Castlebar Order of Malta, Health promotion, HSE.

Thérèse Ruane, Castlebar Town Councillor said: “It’s great to see Castlebar Town Council get behind an week like this. We hope that this will build and be bigger and better in 2010 and beyond. This is the future; we all have to start thinking beyond our cars and look at other modes of more sustainable transport, such as walking, cycling, using public transport. The benefits are huge for all of us: an end to traffic congestion, look and feel better and healthier, and a more pleasant town for us all to live and work in. I would really encourage you to get involved in this, come along to the Mall at lunchtime on Monday 21 September and really make an effort to walk and cycle for the week. And don’t forget to get your nominations into www.castlebar.ie for ‘the most sustainably mobile person you know’”

Noel Gibbons, Road Safety Officer, said: “Mobility Week provides everyone with the chance to experience just how convenient cycling is as well as highlighting the range of health benefits it provides. The County has a wonderful network of roads just waiting to be explored and, together with the programme which has been organised locally. I would encourage as many people as possible to get on their bike for this week and make it a regular part of their life - but to always wear all the safety gear – helmet and high vis clothing.”

Events are taking place in Westport during Mobility Week, include a mini festival on Saturday 19th between 11 am and 1 pm at the Octagon. This will include music, a bike clinic and bike skills workshop, display of various types of transport both old and new, information stands in Westport Library and Westport Town Council on cycle routes in Mayo, disability access, bus and train timetables to and from Westport and government cycle initiatives.

For further information about this event, please contact Noel Gibbons at 0877870055 or Thérèse Ruane at 086 3483414.

Who is the most sustainably mobile person you know in Castlebar?