European Mobility Week
Get More out of Life
27, Sep 2009 - 19:07

‘Get more out of life’ Event to mark EU Mobility took place on the Mall, Castlebar on Monday 21^st September last.  A great time was had by all. This is part of events to mark European Mobility Week which took place from 16 - 22 September.  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 the focus was on cycling in Castlebar.

Ann Garavan, the most sustainably mobile person in Castlebar 2009.

A competition for ‘The Most Sustainably Mobile Person in Castlebar’ was held during EU mobility week and the prize was presented to Ann Garavan, the winner for 2009 as nominated by the people of Castlebar.  Thanks to Angela Teehan from the Road Safety Authority who presented the award to Ann. Speaking at the event, Ann said:

“This is a great honour. I’ve been cycling since I was 17 and I’m still cycling even though I’m a lot older now . . . but I feel 17 when I’m on my bike. It’s great for your health and makes you feel good.  It’s a great way to get around.”  She encouraged all the young people at the event to “get on your bike and get cycling.”

Mayo Arts Squad, proud of their work of Art.

Children from the local primary schools took part in cycling workshops with Gerry Butler.  Bikes old and new were on display and tried out ... penny farthing, tandems with trailers, fold up bikes, electric bikes etc. Information and display stands and fun activities based on sustainable transport all formed part of the day.

Breda on a penny farthing.

A special thanks to everyone who took part and in particular to:

• Mayo Arts Squad, who put so much  thought and effort into building an artistic and fun interpretation of sustainable transort
• Eva and Aisling from the Green Schools initiative, who did Trojan work.
• To Superintendent Willie Keaveney and other members of the Gárdai siochána and the Gárda Diversion project;  Sports Partnership; VEC Youth officer; Laura Heneghan from Iompair Mhaigh eo; local bike shops;
• The Order of Malta with their two new first aid bikes
• Councillor Ger Deere who helped out at the event and displayed his goalkeeping skills!
• To the local primary schools and teachers for supporting this event and for the wonderful work being done in schools to promote cycling and walking.
• There were Free Hi Vis Jackets and spotprizes galore.  A special thanks to the ‘Logo2Go’ Company and Bike World, both on New Antrim St. Castlebar for donating prizes on the day.

Willie from the Mayo Arts Squad demonstrates how the bicycle people carrier works.

Students enjoying the event after their cycle safety workshop

The organisers of this event, Thérèse Ruane and Noel Gibbons said:

“We’re delighted with the response to this event and European Mobility Week in general.  We’re looking forward to next year already!  We’ll keep working on improving Castlebar as a town for cyclists and pedestrians and promoting alternative transport in our town. 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”.

Therese and Saw Tun give lifts on a tandem and a trailer