CYCLISTS can take their bicycles to 'Dr Bike' soon to make sure they are healthy with the free medical card passes. These medical cards can be downloaded from the Mayo roadsafety web site where they can be used in bicycle shops throughout Co. Mayo so their bikes can get a clean bill of health,the cards will also be distributed through the secondary schools.

Mayo County Council, in partnership Taisce Green Schools and local cycle shops,will be opening up a ‘Bike Surgery' during next week Bike Week in secondary Schools (7th-12th March), Irelands biggest mass participation cycling event to encourage everyone to rethink their everyday journeys and switch to cycling as the most convenient way to get around.

You will be able to give your bike a health check from one of the Bike Doctors, learn simple maintenance skills, discover what the safest routes are to get around town, and get practical advice on everyday cycling issues. Dr Bike will check brakes and saddle heights, gears and pedal chains as well as other moving parts to ensure that people's bikes are in tip-top condition.

If it's a small fix needed then they'll do it on site and if it's a bigger job they can give people a bike prescription recommending what needs to be done.

So if you have a bike that has been gathering dust in the shed or are just unsure about getting on two wheels come along and have a chat - bring your bike as well!

Noel Gibbons Road Safety Officer said "Plenty of people get in their cars and nip into town without giving it a second thought. Yet hopping on a bike could get you there faster, cheaper and give you a healthy boost along the way. This surgery is a great way of helping people to rediscover the pleasures of pedal power."

If you have never thought about cycling before then you might want to consider the following:

• More than half of all car trips are five miles or less - swapping them for a 15 minute bike ride could really help you make savings on fuel costs
• Cyclist fitness levels are equivalent to being ten years younger
• You can beat the traffic jams and get to your destination quicker
• Cycling can be a great family activity; it's free, healthy and fun
• Cyclists live on average at least two years longer than non-cyclists
• You can save on gym fees by regularly using two wheels

"The Bike Medical Card scheme is a wonderful and innovative initiative. Sustainable Travel is the way of the future. The scheme shows foresight and encourages Mayo people to get back cycling and reconnect with their environment and community. Everyone will benefit and can contribute to reducing the levels congestion and pollution in our towns. I would encourage young and old to avail of this opportunity," said Eva Gannon Green Schools Travel Education Officer, An Taisce

To take advantage of this unique scheme cyclists can produce their cards with their bicycle at the below outlets and is open for other outlets to participate in this scheme:

* The Bike World Castlebar

* Breheny Bike Shop Westport

* The Bike Clinic Castlebar

* Marrey Bikes Ballinrobe

* Halfords Castlebar

* Hopkins & Sons Ballina