FOLLOWING this year's earlier Budget announcement about the government's car scrappage scheme, a similar scheme for bicycles has been created in Co. Mayo. From the month of March a bike scrappage scheme will be operating in bike shops throughout Co. Mayo.

You can trade in your existing bike (any type) in part exchange for a new bike for a guaranteed minimum discount of 10% on your new bike. This scheme will boost the economy, but more importantly it will be environmentally friendly. The government's car scrappage scheme has been put in place to help drivers and the car industry, through tough economic times. This bike scrappage scheme will offer cyclists the same opportunity, of purchasing a brand new bicycle with the benefit of a 10% discount part exchange and it will also encourage more people to think about pedal power.

Eamon Marrey, 'Marrey Bikes and Gizmos', one of the outlets operating the scrappage scheme handing over a new bike in return for a old kid's bike to Mr Tom Woods with a 10% scrappage discount on the price of the new bike.

This Scheme will encourage safer bikes on our roads, encourage more people to dust down that old bicycle in the garage and get a new one. It will also ensure more people dispose of their old bikes in an environmentally friendly way, so we will see less old bikes disposed in rivers and left to rust at the back of the house.

"The Bike Scrappage 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 trade in their old bikes at the below outlets and is open for other outlets to participate in this scheme:

* Marrey Bikes Ballinrobe

* The Bike World Castlebar

* Breheny Bike Shop Westport

* The Bike Clinic Castlebar

* Halfords Castlebar

* Hopkins & Sons Ballina

Thérèse Ruane, chairperson of Iompar Castlebar, a newly established group promoting sustainable travel, said: "The Bike Scrappage Scheme is a great initiative. The benefits of cycling are obvious and this is a great way to promote it among all ages. Using your bike makes you healthier, saves you time and money ... and you're doing your bit for the environment."

Noel Gibbons Road Safety Officer Mayo County Council said "Individuals, communities, the economy and society as a whole have much to gain from increased participation in cycling. Switching from four wheels to two for the school run or the commute would dramatically reduce carbon emissions, however, the benefits of cycling run much deeper than balance sheets or carbon footprints. It's a crucial life skill, giving children an early road sense as they take their first steps towards independence, their first mode of transport. The more cyclists there are using the road network, the more drivers become aware of them, with a resultant lowering of the accident rate to cyclists. Cycling as a regular form of low-impact exercise is generally recognised to offer many health benefits which far outweigh the associated risks. We hope this scheme will help people make this life style change from four wheels to two wheels.