Despite the rain, bike week in Castlebar has been a great success. Up to 50 people registered to participate in the 'Cycle to Work' for the week, many availing of free showers and sharing their stories and experiences over a cuppa in Lough Lannagh Village before work in the mornings. Ann Cauffield was the winner of the free draw for a new Hybrid bike, with many of the other participants winning lots of bicycle equipment as spot prizes.

Some participants in Bike Week, Cycle to Work Challenge organised by Smart Travel Castlebar. Ann Cauffield, the proud new owner of a New Hybrid bike sponsored by the Department of Transport, the winner of the Smart Travel Castlebar Draw. Pictured in Photo: Noel Gibbons, Road Safety Officer, Mayo Co.Co; Dave O Malley; Thérèse Ruane, Chairperson of STC; Michael Cummins; Anne Coyne, Ann Caulfield, Competition Winner, Michael Lyons, Sustainable Travel Officer, Mayo Co. Co; Arlene Clarke; Mary Gavin, Tara Heverin, Brendan Cribbin.

The annual Bike Fest on Wednesday this week on The Mall, Castlebar escaped the rain (more or less!) and more than 100 Primary school children from local schools participated in cycle training and novelty events promoting cycling and sustainable travel. Smart Travel Castlebar were really pleased that so many came out to participate in the Mass cycle around the town and Lough Lannagh, showing their support for making Castlebar a more cycle-friendly town, which were followed by very welcome and deserved refreshments at Lough Lannagh Village.

Thérèse Ruane, Chairperson of Smart Travel Castlebar, said:

"It's very encouraging the number of people who got involved this year in all the events. As always, the energy and enthusiasm of the young people for cycling was fantastic. The sun came out for the Mass Cycle around the town and the people of Castlebar gave a great response, clapping and encouraging the entourage of cyclists, young and not so young, who participated.

"This year, people were really encouraged to cycle to and from their workplaces. There was a great response - more than 50 people signed up. While the weather wasn't on their side, it didn't put them off too much with many expressing their surprise that the rain didn't put them off once they had their raingear on and a shower at the end. Congrats to Ann Cauffield, the winner of the new Hybrid bike which was sponsored from a grant received from The Department of Transport administered through Mayo Sports Partnership.

"We really appreciate the efforts of everyone who helped make Bike Week successful in Castlebar. In particular a special thanks to Paul and Gerardine and all the staff at Lough Lannagh Holiday Village for providing showers, lockers and a céad míle fáilte to cyclists. We look forward to building on this from year to year."

Noel Gibbons, Road Safety Officer, welcomed the marked increase in the number of cyclists in Castlebar. He encouraged everyone, both cyclists and motorists, to be respectful and courteous while on the road so that we can all make Castlebar a healthier, safer and better environment for all."